As this liturgical year comes to a close we enter the new one.  November 29, 2009  is the First Sunday of Advent, the season of anticipation and hope.  We wait for the shining light that was promised by the Prophets of old.  We watch for the passing of the Old Law to the New Law.  The New Law is one of forgiveness, love, and the promise of redemption.  We anticipate the hope of peace and love among all God’s People.

 

In this season the liturgical vestments worn are blue, symbolizing the season of hope and the passing of the old to the new.  During this special time, we renew our faith and love for all of God’s creations and blessings.  This is a time to renew our commitment to the ideals of our Christian faith and a time to reconcile with our God and each other.  During this time we will be traveling through the Gospel and Liturgy, into the Redemptive Act. 

 

As we decorate, shop, and send greeting cards between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Church prepares for Christmas as well.  The Church's focus is on the person, the soul, and the future of everlasting life.  Our human celebration fulfills our need to experience joy through our earthly celebrations.  Our jubilation of the soul and its final goal needs to be celebrated in the Word and Sacrament.

 

As we go about our seasonal celebrations let’s not forget the celebration of the soul.  Only Christ can provide this peace.  One day this world will pass away.  Our God will continue to live in us and we will live in Him.  The greatest gift of all is the love our God has for us and His desire to have us live for all eternity in heaven with Him.

 

O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and live within my very being.

 

Peace be with you my brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

+Lawrence J. Harms, D. D.

Presiding Archbishop  -  ACCUS