Hope
Excerpts from a sermon for Advent II by the late Rev. Cannon Wallace Shields*
The theme of the Christian's hope is a strong one in the Propers for today. In the Collect, we prayed that we might "embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life." The Epistle for today ends with Saint Paul's prayer for all those who read his letter:
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost" (Romans 15:13).
The word "hope" is not mentioned in the New Testament lesson, but the theme is there: And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh . . . Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Christ's redemptive work is the reason for our confidence and hope. Saint Luke reports His awe-inspiring description of conditions before His Second Advent – "distress of nations;" natural upheavals; and the failure of people's courage. Almost every age can see these words as a description of its own time. The contemplation of the Second Coming of our Lord is a sobering thing, but it is also one basis of our hope in Him, for in the Lord Jesus Christ, our "redemption draweth nigh."
The New Testament lesson, and other passages from the Scriptures, tell us of the character of the salvation that Christ brings. One aspect of what it is like is that, in the providence of God, the process of history has a goal, which is that Christ may be Lord of all, and that He may then present the redeemed creation to His heavenly Father, that God may be All in all. It's the Biblical faith that history is not moving in an endless circle, destined to be repeated over and over again until time runs out. Instead, Scripture teaches that history is moving toward this goal of the Second Advent of our Lord. The whole creation will be transformed; and the Son of Man, when He returns with His holy angels, will sit as Judge of all the nations.
Likewise, each individual life has a goal and destiny, that is, to go into the nearer presence of God after a life of worship and service in this world. Each one of us will come to the particular judgment, in which Christ, both God and Man, will be our Judge. As God, He has perfect knowledge and justice; but as Man, He has perfect sympathy and mercy. He is our Savior as well as our Judge, and our faith and hope are in Him. . . .
The virtue of hope is nourished by the Scriptures. Saint Paul says that they were "written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4) They are the record of God's revelation of Himself and of His work in this world, culminating in Christ. They contain what have been called His "great and precious promises." So it's a very valuable and important spiritual exercise for us to "hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them," that, as Saint Paul urges us, "Ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13) Certainly the reading and study of the Scriptures are a chief way in which the Holy Spirit creates and sustains Christian hope in our lives.
Through Moses, God said to His people, "These words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) Psalm 78 also speaks of God's testimony and law which He commanded be taught to each generation for this purpose, "that they should set their hope in God." (Verses 5-7)
As Christians, we set our hope on God as made known in the Lord Jesus Christ. We can trust and hope in Him, because He brings near our redemption; and because, regardless of what else may happen, His words will never pass away.
* The Reverend Canon Wallace Shields was a leading cleric in the Anglican Catholic Church and particularly in this diocese. While a visitor on many occasions to St. Andrew and St. Margaret of Scotland, the parishes that he served were primarily in central and southwest Virginia.
All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee
To donate to St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland please click here.
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 Services, 7:00 PM & 11:00 PM
Christmas Day Service, 12 noon
Vestry Meeting, Monday December 28, 7:30 PM
Current list of needs for MaRIH crisis pregnancy center
MaRIH Center with its all volunteer staff provides help to mothers-to-be and mothers in need. Please provide some of the items that are needed.. (You can leave the donations where the food for the food bank is collected on the pew in the undercorft.)
Especially Needed
In Bold and with an asterisk are a critical need.
Diapers (sizes newborn, *1, 2, 3, *4, *5, & *6)
*Lovies
*Baby wipes
*Diaper rash ointment
*Baby shampoo
*Baby blankets
*Baby bottles
*Bibs toddler
*Formula: *Simulac Advance Formula
Formula: other but not recalled
*Wash clothes
*Hooded towels
*Fall Winter clothing: 3-6 mo, 2T
*Winter coats 2T
*Grocery gift cards
Food Bank Needs
Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Those we help feed are very thankful for the food we provide to them each month. Please also buy low sugar cereals (and not the kid's types that have lots of sugar). Current needs include the following:
canned meats (chicken, corned beef, spam)
peanut butter
jelly
tuna
canned vegetables (corn, green beans - (regular and low sodium)
individual fruit cups (low sugar)
canned fruit (low sugar)
canola or vegetable oil (48 oz)
boxed cereal (low sugar) and instant or old fashioned oatmeal (18 oz or 42 oz)
pasta (regular and gluten-free):
instant potatoes
single serving fruit juice
macaroni & cheese
soups: Chunky or Progresso,noodle soup; chicken broth, cream of mushroom
coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar
.
Copyright © 2024 St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland
1607 Dewitt Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301-1625