Remember tonight (November 30) at 7 PM is the St. Andrew's Day Evening Prayer and Kirkin' o' the Tartans with a festive reception following.

The First Sunday in Advent.

The Epistle. Romans xiii. 8.
OWE no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

The Gospel. St. Matthew xxi. 1.
WHEN they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, and brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name 'of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Meditations and Reflections on the Collect for Advent

The Advent season is a time for action.  Yes… preparation is not a passive word..  We reflect on the significance of Christ's first coming, but we prepare for His second coming. So this week I am giving you some homework in the forms of mediation and reflection concerning the Advent Sunday Collect which we are asked to pray each day of Advent until Christmas.

Collect for Advent

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 forever. Amen.

A Call to Grace and Action: The Collect begins with a plea for divine grace, underscoring our dependence on God to "cast away the works of darkness." This language echoes Romans 13:12, where St. Paul exhorts believers to "put on the armor of light." This casting away symbolizes repentance—turning from sin and darkness—and stepping into the illumination and protection of God's righteousness.

Reflection: What "works of darkness" weigh on your heart? How can you actively cooperate with God's grace to live in His light?

The Armor of Light: The "armor of light" suggests both protection and readiness, appropriate for Advent, a season of waiting and preparation. This armor equips us not only for spiritual battles but also for holy living in the present.

Meditation: Pray for the Holy Spirit to strengthen your spiritual defenses and illuminate the path of righteousness in daily life.

Now and Not Yet: The Collect beautifully juxtaposes two comings of Christ: His humble first advent in Bethlehem and His glorious return at the end of time. The phrase "now in the time of this mortal life" reminds us of the immediacy of Christ's presence and our call to action in this life, while "in the last day" points to the hope of resurrection and eternal life.

Reflection: How does Christ's first coming inspire your preparation for His second coming? Are you living in a way that reflects both humility and expectation?

Humility and Majesty: The humility of Christ's first coming—His incarnation and earthly life—contrasts with His anticipated return "in glorious majesty." This duality reminds us that the meekness of the manger is as vital to our faith as the triumph of His second coming.

Meditation: Contemplate how Christ’s humility informs your own approach to others and how His majesty inspires awe and reverence.

Rising to Life Immortal: The Collect culminates in the hope of resurrection and eternal life, tying the themes of Advent to ultimate redemption. This hope strengthens us to endure life's struggles with the promise of union with God.

Reflection: How does the promise of eternal life shape your perspective on the trials and joys of this mortal life?

Practice for Advent:
 
Daily Examination: At the close of each day, reflect on where you have "cast away the works of darkness" and where you need God's grace to do so more fully.
Acts of Light: Identify a concrete way to "put on the armor of light" this Advent—through service, prayer, or sharing the Gospel.

Watchfulness: Set aside time to meditate on the dual nature of Christ's coming and what it means to live as a prepared and hopeful Christian.

May this Collect inspire a deeper awareness of God's grace and a firmer commitment to holy living as you journey through Advent.

--Fr. Chris

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Christmas Display – For those who wish to contribute toward flowers, poinsettias, and greens for our Christmas display, contribution forms are available in the narthex. Please submit your form(s) and check by Sunday, December 22nd in the offering plate or to the church office.

Services & Events

Women’s Weekly Prayer Seminar – The Diocese is sponsoring a Weekly Women’s Prayer Seminar via Zoom. It will be taught by published author Bonnie Shannonhouse. The idea of the seminar is to teach as many women as possible the art and practice of prayer, to build a community of prayer warriors, and to foster a greater sense of community in the Diocese. For more information and a link to register, please go to the Diocesan homepage at dmas-acc.org.

Sunday Services, 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, & 11:15 AM (for online participation for the services go to: https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland) 

Sunday School, 10:30 AM

Nursery 9:00 & 11:15 Services

Wednesday, 12 noon, Holy Communion and anointing for healing, (for online participation for the service go to: https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland)

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Services will be announced soon

Vestry Meeting, Monday December 28, 7:30 PM
 
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