An Open Door
Wednesday, December 17 • The Third Week of Advent • An Open Door • Revelation 4.1-8
“After this I looked, and lo, in heaven an open door! And the first voice, what I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, ‘Come up hither, and I will show you what must take place after this.’”
A door stands open in heaven. There’s been no forced entry. Rather, it is an inviation, the expresed beckoning of the Lord. John is not raptured and hauled upward; he is welcomed in to the throne room of God. What John sees is not an escape from the world but its truth unveiled: a throne, not chaos; praise, not panic; life ordered by one God’s love and mercy. The living creatures, all eyes, can see everything and yet are not burdened by it. They sing instead. Holy, holy, holy is not information but atmosphere, the very weather of heaven. To pray and sing this text like we do every Sunday is to consent, even for a moment, to live as if the world is held, watched over, and endlessly loved by our Heavenly Father.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.
Bible for Life
Did you know the Book of Common Prayer provides a daily reading plan for the Bible? Check it out, starting on page 934. I’m happy to show you how to get started.
Here are some other helps with your regular Bible reading provided by Scripture Union.
Liturgy for Life
Did you know you can find a guide for daily devotions in the Book of Common Prayer? Check it out, starting on page 136. There are prayers for married people that would make for a quick devotion over coffee or on a walk (BCP 429). You can find a grace to say before birthday cake as well as meals (BCP 830, 835). You can find a prayer of dedication for newborns or adoptions (BCP 439).
Need a Prayer Book? We have them in the pews. You can borrow one. You can also find your own in All Saints Gift Shoppe. Don’t hesitate to ask any of your clergy how to use it.
