The Season of Advent: Advent III

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. (From 2 Peter 1.19-21)

The collect for the Third Sunday of Advent begins, “Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us…” During Advent, preachers sound like parents on schooldays and busy Saturdays when half the family drives across the state to a lacrosse tournament while the other half stays nearby for a soccer match, “Wake up!” Waking up in life happens when God’s prophetic word meets us in the middle of our lives and becomes for us “a lamp shining in a dark place” (2 Peter 1.19). It shines forth from a Spotify playlist or an old record, in rehab or Rite I, in something our friend Susan said, or was it our brother Rich? At once, we are awake. Peter’s testimony reminds us that Christ’s coming is no myth but a promise fulfilled. As we wait for His Second Coming, let us hold fast to His Word, trusting His light to guide us until “the day dawns and the morning star rises in our hearts” (2 Peter 1.19).

Watch for the light of Christ with me this week.

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(A Collect for the Renewal of Life, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 99)

O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.

(A Prayer in the Evening, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 833)