Advent Blessings!
“The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.”
Clement of Alexandria, Priest c. 210
December 5, 2025
Dear Siblings in Christ,
Grace and peace to you! A blessed and holy season of Advent is upon us.
“Advent” itself means “Coming” and in this season we cherish new ways we feel Christ coming closer to us, perhaps beside us, and maybe even in us. We often walk through this season with a smile, but I believe a mark of the hope in the Light of Christ coming into the world is made known more clearly because of the darkness we often experience. Many recognize the loss of loved ones this season. Others recognize their shortcomings and strive to restore their hearts to God. In all sorts of darknesses, we find the illumination of hope in our hearts at God’s desire to be present with us in Jesus Christ. Sometimes the darknesses we face only contrast and highlight more greatly the Light and Grace of our Lord. Through every circumstance, cherish the gift of grace so generously bestowed upon all humanity.
“For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”
May we each prepare our hearts for Christ this Advent season. Be present with one another to share the expectant hope, joy, love, and peace of God’s holy presence. Cherish the gift of light in all sorts of darkness that we may better see, hear, and know God’s presence for us.
In Joyful Anticipation,
Fr. Michael
The Collect for The First Sunday of Advent The Book of Common Prayer, 159
Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
