…give us grace, that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light…
Dear Friends,
These are words from the collect for the First Sunday of Advent written by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer for the first Book of Common Prayer (1549). Rooted in Scripture, these words remind us that this season of the Church year calls us to seek out the One who is the Light more than any other season. As a community, I dare say that we are more in need of the message of God’s Light shining the darkness this year more than any most of us can remember.
The world around us seems dark, at times it even is: a global pandemic, political and civic divisions, unemployment, loneliness – the list goes on. But, the Light of God still does shine in the darkness! We are to embrace the Light and then ourselves be light and love to others. Remember what St. Augustine said: “Without God, we cannot; without us, God will not.”
Since 1662, it has been instructed that this prayer should be read each day during the Advent. (You can find it in our prayer book on pages 159 or 211.) It has long been a part of my Advent discipline. And, I hope you will join me in this devotional practice, and review other ways to make Holy this time, as we look to greet the One who is Light, Joy, Hope, Peace, and Love.
With my best wishes for a holy Advent, I am,
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Rob