First Sunday after Christmas 2009
Reflections: it seems we know very little of what it was like when our Lord was born of Mary into the world. It is mostly shrouded in mystery … seemingly confined to a little stable and a few shepherds and wise men. In contrast, we know a lot more of what happened when His Spirit left from the Cross. The earth darkened as the sun went out. Graves opened and the dead walked the streets. The earth quaked … the temple veil, a massive wall of the strongest cloth, rent in two. No doubt the whole planet groaned and shuddered. The loss of God’s Grace from among us was as terrible as anything could be and still not destroy us during those dark hours before His return on Easter morning.
That was the leaving. Can you imagine the power and grace and beauty of His arrival, of His Coming among us? The warmest light and love drenching the earth and all the souls open to receive Him? And yes, there were dark spirits and evil souls that startled in alarm and began to hunt Him. But they would never have him until He chose to use them to accomplish His purposes and our redemption.
All of our imagination and wonder and awe can only begin to see and hear a glimpse of that bursting forth of Divine Glory … that resounding chorus of heavenly hosts singing praises to our Lord and King. And He is going to come again! Praise be to Jesus Christ.
Wednesdays: Evening Prayer 5:45, Low Mass 6pm, and Bible study 6:45 on the Gospel of St. John (picking up at John 3:16). Note that the next Wednesday, the 6th of January, is the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord and is considered a day of obligation.
Next Sunday January 3rd, Second Sunday after Christmas, Morning Prayer at 9:30am; Choral Mass at 11am.
Thank you everyone for the Christmas decoration and greening of the Chapel. Well done!
2010 Pledge Drive: You should all have received your Pledge letters and forms by now by snail or email. Please read, pray, and let us know on the enclosed form what God has led you to provide for St. Ann Chapel in 2010. Please return them soonest. Extra letters and forms are available if desired.
As we near year end it is time to make our ongoing prayer list more current. So take a look below and let me know of any additions or deletions you might have. And please add these brothers and sisters to your prayers.
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Parish Prayer List: Carol; Mary; Devora and Alice; Ross; Ed and Val; Phil; Christina; James; John; Ginny; Jason; Jon; Lydia; Adelyne; Michael; Isaac; Cathy; Paul; Jackie; Marnie; Branton; Huan Tran.
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“Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
A Bible memory verse: 1 St. John i: “these things write we unto you , that your joy may be full.”