 St Alban’s Episcopal Church Bolivar, Missouri Wednesday, December 22, 2021  The fifth Antiphon O, King of the peoples and their desire, come!  King of Nations As you know, “king of the nations” is a title from the old testament referring to God. The true King is God alone, which is why according to the scriptures, God was reluctant to give Israel a king when they wanted to be like other nations. He warned them that an earthly king would eventually force them to obey – and even worship him, that such a king would take Israel’s sons and daughter to serve him and to do his will – whether it was God’s or not. We know this is true – whatever the title, any earthly authority who can compel or coerce, or manipulate us to pledge our allegiance will never, ever, want us to walk at right angles to him/her. The values of God, and of the Kingdom that is God’s, are diametrically opposed to the “way things are.” The world’s sorrow is in trying again and again to set up some strongman to follow rather than seeking and trusting and following the Prince of Peace – Who is our desire, for whom we long, even if we do not know it.  O come, Desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind; bid thou our sad divisions, cease, and be thyself our King of Peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.  These last few days of Advent If you have a creche, or if you still have the figures from, Build Your Own Bethlehem, I do hope you allow the children to play with them. Even little ones can play out the story, and make up their own scripts – and find power and joy in the Story. Our tree is still in the garage, but soon we will bring it in and put it up – decorating it with ornaments we have had for many years – a few from my parents’ first Christmas in 1942. We tell the stories, and drink hot chocolate and take our time. The Advent candles will soon be put away, replaced with festive decorations, which we will enjoy until Epiphany. We are wrapping a few presents. More will arrive sometime before Jan 6 and be wrapped, but that, too, is a restful activity. We are not in any hurry. You don’t have to do ANY thing that causes you to be stressed or exhausted this Christmas! You already have everything you need. Christmas Eve Christmas Eve afternoon we will set out the little luminarias/farolitos – if the weather is neither rainy nor too windy. Anyone who would like to help fill the bags with sand, or set in the candles, or line the sidewalks is welcome to help! They will be lit about 4:30 – and if we are fortunate, they will burn most of the night to give joy to anyone who passes by. Eucharist with organ, candlelight and Christmas carols at 5:30 pm -Friday, December 24, 2021 Of course you are welcome as are your friends and family, and I think the service will be beautiful – but I also know that for many people driving in the dark, especially if you live out of town is difficult or dangerous. I remember, too, when my own children were little what a hassle it was to get them all ready, and sometimes we just stayed home. It’s okay. Christmas will come to you wherever you are! We will continue to celebrate Christmas on the 1st Sunday in Christmastide, Sunday, December 26. And we will celebrate and sing our Christmas carols again the next week – on the Sunday before Epiphany! |
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