December 2016
St. Mark’s News Volume 20/Issue 11
Advent Lessons and Carols, by The Rev. Dr. David W. Peters, Assistant Rector Author’s Note: Advent has always been a difficult time for me. Every year I wholeheartedly throw myself into the penitential, Lenten-like mood, so I fully experience the great expectation of Jesus’ coming. At the same time, I wholeheartedly throw myself into the Spirit of Christmas, the lights, the music, and the shopping. These two forces compete inside me and cause some confusion. Truly, Advent and Christmas contain many deep mysteries, so perhaps I should expect to be a little confused. So, here are some of my thoughts about this most wonderful time of the year:
The First Lesson And on the first day of the eleventh month, when thou shalt hear the schmaltzy music played at thy grocery store, especially that country music version of “Silver Bells;” and when thou shalt see the small displays of Holiday themed Treats, Candies, Wreaths, and all manner of Lights, thou shalt not shake thy head and say “Tsk, Tsk.” Even as our fathers may have done in ancient times, thus preserving the Celebration of Christmas for Christmas Eve alone. In the twelfth month, if thou shalt see an likeness of Santa Claus, thou shalt not declare that this is “Not what Christmas is All About.” Thou shalt not show on thy face that thou art dead serious and joyless, and thou shalt not remind all that stand by that there are 12 Days Of Christmas, beginning on the first day, Christmas. Thou mayest, if it is expedient, to begin to sing the Song of the same name to remind them, but thou shalt not sing the Whole Thing.
The First Carol: Sung to the tune of Silent Night Advent One, Advent Two, all is calm, all is bright Round come the Advent Police on Advent 3 and 4 They’re just checking that wreath on your door We heard you sang a Carol at your Chur—urch We heard you sang a Carol at your Church
The Second Lesson
In this Issue From the Assistant Rector ......... 1 Advent Schedule ........................ 2 Vestry Highlights ........................ 3 Outreach .................................... 4 Parish Life .................................. 5 Music Notes ............................... 6 Christian Formation.................... 6 Caffeine Ministry ........................ 8 Parishioner Highlights ................ 9 Celebrations............................. 10 ROTA ....................................... 11
And when thou shalt see that Family picture, bedecked with all manner of holiday sweaters, with children and pets, thou shalt not project upon them Happiness, such as thou hast never seen upon the earth. Thou shalt not be jealous of them, wishing that thy Family were Closer, that thy Family wert more Loving, and that thy Family might give unto thyself a better Present this year than last. Thou shalt, on that day, remember that they are of humankind, subject to all the changes and chances that thou art subject to in this season of Unreasonable Expectations for Happiness. Thou shalt be thankful for thy Blessings, and mourn thy losses, and celebrate Their happiness with them as thou would want them to do unto thee.
Page 1