Advent Begins on November 29

Dear Parishioners,
As we begin a new church year tomorrow with our Advent season, I am certain our parish is eager to say goodbye to this one. Last December our church year began with much hope and promise as we anticipated and then celebrated Christ’s birth. In January, we felt joy when we remembered Christ’s baptism and then baptized a total of five babies and children in that month and the next.

Our joy began to diminish, though, when this virus threat coincidentally arrived during our 40-day Lenten season. The virus lingered and sadly encroached far beyond that solemn and penitential season and forced us to cancel our in-person Easter celebration and many of our cherished activities and traditions. More important and even worse, there continues an incalculable loss of life, health and livelihood for millions of people worldwide.

We learned this year the virus remains indifferent to all persons, and the calendar. Tomorrow, we can say goodbye to the church year but unfortunately we need to wait a bit longer to bid adieu to this virus. The COVID pandemic continues to challenge us as we work to keep everyone attending in-person worship safe and healthy. There is good news, though, as many viable vaccines may soon be available. So, we are encouraged to start looking forward to healthier and brighter days ahead.

Speaking of “brighter days”, we wait once again for that “light of Christ” to emerge from the darkness at Advent’s conclusion on Christmas Day. Tomorrow begins our time to “prepare” and ready ourselves for the blessed hope and the coming of our savior, Jesus Christ.

To that end, we work to maintain some sense of normalcy, hope, tradition—and connection–through this dark and challenging time. With that intention, I am grateful to Andrea Pugh for suggesting and implementing a Parish Advent Reflection project. For 27 days, beginning tomorrow, you will receive a parishioner’s Advent or Christmas reflection through your email.

I took a sneak peek at them and found them to be thought provoking and charming; they also give glimpses into different parish family traditions, history, and faith journeys. I believe these reflections can help connect—or reconnect you—to each other and encourage you to prepare for “the coming” of our Lord with joy and expectation.

Thank you to Andrea Pugh, Nancy Leizear, Wendy Gilbert and Karen Schaeffer for organizing, editing, and formatting this project. Much appreciation goes to the 27 parishioners who submitted a reflection to share.

At St. Mary Anne’s, we remain focused on our mission, and to “keep the light on”–the light and hope of Christ–for all of you. We hope you enjoy these reflections, and pray they encourage you to keep the light on Christ as you await His Coming in Glory.

Blessings,
Fr. John

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light .
Ephesians 5:8