Faith Worship

Faith Worship

Wednesday, 04 April 2018 19:53

Pentecost

Pentecost is the great festival that marks the birth of the Christian church by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Pentecost means "fiftieth day" and is celebrated fifty days after Easter.

Pentecost – So What Exactly is the Big Deal?
To begin, Pentecost is the great festival that marks the birth of the Christian church by the power of the Holy Spirit. The word Pentecost actually means, ‘fiftieth day’ and so is celebrated fifty days after Easter. And if this were not enough, it is one of the few days in the church year that we use the colour red in our celebrations, which I suppose is just an added bonus!

To briefly recap the story of Pentecost, just ten days earlier Jesus had said goodbye to his followers returning to heaven, but not before promising to send a helper, the Holy Spirit. So as the apostles, Mary, and many of Jesus’ disciples gathered these ten days later for the Jewish harvest festival that celebrated on the fiftieth day after harvest ‘a sound like that of a rushing wind filled the house and tongues of fire descended and rested over each of their heads. Filled with the Spirit, this group would burst out onto the streets and speaking in a whole variety of languages, they would proclaim the Gospel, preaching boldly and welcoming 3,000 souls into their gathering that day. The Church was born!

Interestingly enough the Day of Pentecost is followed by first Trinity Sunday and then the season of Pentecost, the longest of the liturgical season (this year running from June 23rd to November 24), a season centered on the work of the Holy Spirit in the day-to-day lives of Christians with an emphasis on evangelism, mission, stewardship and other acts of love and mercy empowered by God’s gift of the Holy Spirit.

So while we marvel at Christmas in God’s gift to us of His Son, and at Easter in that same Son’s triumph over the power of sin and death, without the gift of God’s Spirit at Pentecost, empowering, guiding and directed the growth of the Church, where would we be today? So yes, Pentecost, it’s a big deal! As we focus on this season on the work that God strives to do in our hearts and in our lives, we call upon this Spirit to be the force of change in us, through us, and all around us. Happy Birthday!

Why is Pentecost sometimes called "WhitSunday"?     
A tradition of some churches in ancient times was to baptize adult converts to the faith on Pentecost.  The newly baptized catechumens would wear white robes on that day, so Pentecost was often called "Whitsunday" or "White Sunday" after these white baptismal garments.  Many Christian calendars, liturgies, and hymnals (particularly those from the Episcopal/Anglican tradition) still use this term.  An appropriate day for First Communion and Confirmation in the life of the church.

What is the liturgical colour for Pentecost?      
Red is the liturgical colour for this day.  Red recalls the tongues of flame in which the Holy Spirit descended on the first Pentecost.  The colour red also reminds us of the blood of the martyrs.  These are the believers of every generation who by the power of the Holy Spirit hold firm to the true faith even at the cost of their lives.

Wednesday, 04 April 2018 19:51

Lent

Pancake Experience 42 - Thank you for joining us for Shrove Tuesday on February 13th for our pancake supper featuring pancakes and sausages. It was a great way to begin the season of Lent.  And then, who can forget the 2023 invitation video below?

 

Lent 2024

Lent is a season of preparation leading up to Easter. It is the forty days plus the six Sundays before Easter. For centuries, it has been observed as a special time of self-examination and penitence.   Lent is a time of spiritual cleansing, of prayer, and of growth in faith…a time of returning to the Lord our God, who is gracious and merciful and abounding in steadfast love.

If you have found yourself away from church and wondered about another try, Lent is the perfect time. For centuries, Lent has offered a chance to try the fellowship of the church one more time. In fact, Lent developed as a way to receive people back into church. If you are questioning your own faith and wondering what you believe, this could be the perfect time to come back to church.

Throughout Lent, the worship services of the church take on a simpler tone, appropriate to this season. Crosses showing the risen Christ are veiled. The word "Alleluia" is not used in the words of the liturgy or hymns. These practices help the worshipping community to mark this season of renewal as a special time in the church year.

Video on Making Palm Crosses This year we’ll be gathered in the kitchen on Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. to make crosses - come join us. Please bring scissors. 

Take a journey of justice and prayer this Lent.

International Justice Mission Canada (IJM) has a vision to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and prove that justice for the poor is unstoppable. They work toward this vision by partnering with local authorities to rescue victims of slavery and violence, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors, and strengthen justice systems.

This Easter season, IJM is offering weekly PDF formatted Lent and Holy Week devotionals via email to focus on the power of prayer.
"'Encounter Justice' is designed for churches, small groups and individuals to grow in your understanding of the power of prayer and God's call to justice. The devotionals look closely at historic prayers from six different men and women in the Bible. With biblical insights, engaging discussion questions and powerful stories, IJM’s ‘Encounter Justice’ resource will take you  through a meaningful season of reflection, prayer and action. During the week leading up to Easter, you’ll receive daily Holy Week devotional emails to honour and worship Christ for his loving sacrifice and his powerful resurrection that we celebrate as believers on Easter."

The Fourth Mark of Mission asks us to do all in our power to speak and act against the injustice that causes their pain and need. Inform your self about IJM's work to transform unjust structures of society by signing up for this devotional at https://www.ijm.ca/lent.

A Lenten Challenge: The Daily Examen
What is it?
This form of prayer originated 500 years ago when St Ignatius of Loyola began working on Spiritual Exercises to help us develop discipline and find grace as we see how God works through us and among us daily.

At its essence this form of prayer takes place at a point in the day when you have a few minutes to pause and reflect on our day, and in this reflection to find ways to draw nearer to God. For some that will be as they prepare to sleep at the end of the day, for others it might be during a commute home, or following an evening meal. It may even take you a few tries to see exactly what timing does and does not work for you.

1. As you begin, relax as much as possible in your circumstance, acknowledging your intention to grow closer to God.
2. Begin by thanking God for the gift of the day and anything else for which you’d like to give thanks.
3. Ask God’s Spirit to help you see the day clearly, walking through it in your mind, with an eye to what stands out for you? Any emotions, Any noticing of God working around you or through you? Any times you felt far from God?
4. Talk with God about this. Take some time to ask forgiveness for the times you weren’t at your best. Offer up more gratitude for the blessings that stood out. Whatever comes to mind, talk with God about it.
5. Look to tomorrow at those things you have planned. See yourself walking through the day with God, asking for help along the way.
6. Close by spending a few moments with God, listening for God, finding peace in God’s presence. You may wish to finish by reciting the Lord’s Prayer.

I share this with you as we enter the season of Lent for your consideration and use during this season. I would love to hear back from you on your experience of and with it.

Events in Lent

Exploring the Passion Narrative with Bryan Kenwell:  Feb 28, Mar 6, Mar 13, - Mar 20th; 6:30pm-7:15pm [Zoom]:  

https://westernuniversity.zoom.us/j/91652571983

Meeting ID: 916 5257 1983; to join by phone please dial: 1 (647) 374-4685; or 1 (647) 558-0588

Join Bryan Kenwell, our theological student, on Wednesdays in Lent to prayerfully connect with a portion of Scripture. In our explorations we will be learning about the ancient prayer practice of Lectio Divina. This approach invites us into a deliberate and intentional way of reading and connecting to the message in Scripture during this time in Lent. 

From new believer to long-time follower of Jesus, there is always something new to learn. Can’t come every Wednesday, not a problem. Come when you can to join others in this exploration. 

lent feb

stpaul's

 

Observing a Holy Lent
The custom is to mark the season of Lent by giving up some things and taking on others. Both can serve to mark the season as a holy time of preparation. Some examples of things people give up for Lent include sweets, meat for all or some meals, and alcohol. In most cases, giving up something for Lent can be made more meaningful by using the money or time for another purpose.

For example, meal times on fast days could be spent in prayer.

Another example is that if you give up meat during Lent, the extra money that would go to meat dishes can be given to a group, such as World Vision, which works to end hunger worldwide, or Daily Bread which supports London families.

Some things added during Lent might be daily Bible reading, extra times of prayer or taking a course of study related in some way to spirituality.  Note that the season of Lent is forty days plus the six Sundays. This is because Sundays are celebrations of Jesus’ resurrection and are always an appropriate day to lessen the restrictions of Lent. So that if you have, for example, given up chocolate for Lent, you could indulge in a weekly candy bar on Sunday.

 

A Question and a Challenge for Lent
At the heart of becoming a disciple of Jesus lies the process of transformation, and at the heart of transformation we find the question, “Where is God in this?” In the midst of our daily living during these 40 days of Lent, can we stop at least once every day to ask this question, and then listen for the whisper of God’s Spirit to us guiding our reflection and our response? Perhaps it can become a habit, a holy habit. Jesus was a master of using the everyday to stretch his disciples beyond their usual view of people, their world, and their understanding of God. Have an experience? Witness an event, reading a particular news story? Don’t rush through, stop … pause … consider, Where is God in this?

A Different Kind of Fasting During the Lenten Season
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness and fill our hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words and be silent so we can listen.
Pope Francis

PRAY AS YOU GO ...https://pray-as-you-go.org  Pray As You Go is a site that offers a brief, daily musical selection and reflection on a Bible reading. An app for your phone is also available to truly listen “as you go”.  Listen to one day or every day.

Special Worship Services - 2024
Wednesday, February 14 - Ash Wednesday Service: 10 am - Church of the Transfiguration, 5 pm - St. Anne's - Service and light supper
This service marks an important first step on our Lenten journey. If you are unable to attend the 5 pm service at St Anne’s, please join Canon Val at Church of the Transfiguration at 10 am
Palm Sunday, March 24 with Procession at 9:15 am Service
Thursday, March 28 - Maundy Thursday with Stripping of the Altar at 7:30 pm service
Friday, March 29 - Good Friday Service - 10 am
Sunday, March 31 - Easter - 6:45 am Easter Sunrise service in Springbank Park, 8:00 am BCP Eucharist, 9:15 am BAS Eucharist followed by an Easter Egg hunt

At home Ash Wednesday Resources.

Check out the details of the challenges and activites for Observing a Holy Lent in our Lent Newsletter 2022pdf

Special Days 
Shrove Tuesday - February 13, 2024
Our pancake supper features pancakes, sausages, fruit cups, cookies, and various beverages. Gluten-free options are available upon request.

If you would like to purchase quantities of a locally produced Maple Syrup, Adam from Clark’s Maple Syrup would be pleased to hear from you by calling Clark’s Maple Syrup at 519-675-8733 and to either do a porch drop (no additional cost) of your syrup, or arrange for a curbside pick-up.

Ash Wednesday - February 14, 2024
The first day of Lent is marked with fasting, when safe, and a special liturgy. The theme for the day, though not for all of Lent, is that we stand as sinners condemned to die, but for God’s grace. This is symbolized by the imposition of ashes on the forehead, with the words, "You are dust and to dust you shall return." In the Old Testament, ashes were a sign of penitence (feeling regretful at offenses) and mourning.

Stations of the Cross
These are depictions of 14 incidents in the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ death, from the condemnation at Pilate’s house to being placed in the tomb. They are used for the service called the Way of the Cross, which visits each station in turn with a brief reading, response, collect and on some occasions, a meditation. This is particularly appropriate for Good Friday and all Fridays in Lent.

The object of the Stations is to help the faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer, through meditating upon the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings and death.

We encourage you to experience this ancient tradition, remembering that Christ died to save us all from sin. Without truly experiencing the agony of His death, we cannot fully understand the glory of his Resurrection.

Stations of the Cross (or Way of the Cross; in Latin, Via Crucis; also called the Via Dolorosa or Way of Sorrows, or simply, The Way) refers to the depiction of the final hours (or Passion) of Jesus, and the devotion commemorating the Passion. The tradition as chapel devotion began with St. Francis of Assisi and extended throughout the Roman Catholic Church in the medieval period. It may be done at any time, but is most commonly done during the Season of Lent, especially on Good Friday and on Friday evenings during Lent.

The object of the Stations is to help us make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer, through meditating upon the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings and death. It has become one of the most popular devotions for many Christians.

The Stations themselves are (usually) a series of 14 pictures or sculptures depicting the following:
1. Jesus is condemned to death
2. Jesus receives the cross
3. Jesus falls the first time
4. Jesus meets His Mother
5. Simon of Cyrene carries the cross
6. Veronica wipes Jesus' face with her veil
7. Jesus falls the second time
8. Jesus meets the daughters of Jerusalem
9. Jesus falls the third time
10. Jesus is stripped of His garments
11. Crucifixion: Jesus is nailed to the cross
12. Jesus dies on the cross
13. Jesus' body is removed from the cross (Deposition or Lamentation)
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb and covered in incense

Each of us wants and needs to have space for quiet, for then one begins to see with the eyes of the heart” - Desmond Tutu.

Come to the Via Dolorosa and take up the Cross. Be with Jesus as He makes his final walk on this earth.  Each Station bears its own witness to Our Lord’s final grueling journey. Who will you identify with? Perhaps with Simon of Cyrene who helps and picks up the cross, or perhaps with Veronica who steps out of the crowd to wipe the sweat from His eyes?

Take time this Lent, to not only “talk the talk”, but also “walk the walk”. Experience what happened over 2,000 years ago and know how much He loved us then and how much He loves us now.

Wednesday, 04 April 2018 19:48

Epiphany

Season of Epiphany Jan. 6 to February 12

A Year in the Church, Advent Through Epiphany Including Candlemas with thanks to the Reverend Marty Levesque

Next to Easter, Epiphany is the oldest season of the church year. In Asia Minor and Egypt, Epiphany was observed as early as the 2nd century. The Festival of the Epiphany fell and still falls on January 6. It was observed as a unitive festival – both the birth and baptism of Jesus were celebrated at this time.

January 6 was chosen as Epiphany Day because it was the winter solstice, a festival celebrating the birthday of the sun-god. In 331 B.C. the solstice was moved to December 25, but January 6 continued to be observed. Christians substituted Epiphany for the solstice. The emphasis was upon the rebirth of light. In keeping with the theme, the first Lesson for Epiphany Day is appropriate: “Arise, shine; for your light has come.”

The unitive festival of Epiphany was divided when December 25 was chosen as the birthday of Jesus. The church in the East continued to celebrate Epiphany in terms of the baptism of Jesus while the Western church associated Epiphany with the visit of the Magi. For the East the baptism of Jesus was more vital because of the Gnostic heresy claiming that only at his baptism did Jesus become the Son of God. On the other hand, to associate Epiphany with the Magi is appropriate, for the Magi did not get to Bethlehem for a year after Jesus' birth. By this time the holy family was in a house rather than in a stable. Consequently, the Magi could not have been a part of the manger scene as is popularly portrayed in today's Christmas scenes and plays. The new lectionary and calendar combine the two by placing the visit of the Magi on Epiphany Day and the Baptism of Jesus on Epiphany 1.

The name “Epiphany” means “Manifestation.” The light manifests itself in the darkness, God reveals himself in Jesus, and the glory of God is seen in Jesus.

Epiphany is also a season of worship because it deals with the glory of God manifested in Jesus. The season begins with the Wise Men's coming to worship the new-born King. The season ends with the worship experience on the mountain of Transfiguration. When people see Jesus as God's Son, they instinctively fall down to worship him as Lord.

May this holy season of Epiphany be for each of us a time of moving beyond grasping tight to what we have. To unclenching our hands and letting go. Following the Light where it leads; Moving beyond competition toward cooperation. Seeing that all humans are sisters and brothers. Moving beyond the anxiety of small concerns Towards the joys of justice and peace. May the transforming acceptance of Mary and Joseph, The imagination of the shepherds, And the persistence of the magi and the skilled and steady hands of the midwives, Guide us as we seek the Truth, Always moving toward the Divine promise. Always aware God can be hidden in the frailest among us. Always open to the unexpected flash of Grace, to the showing forth of that Love that embraces us all. Amen

3 Kings Cake recipe:
2 packages dry yeast;  1/3 cup warm water;  1/2 cup sugar (divided, 1/3 cup plus remaining amount, 2 Tbsp.); 1 stick butter; 2/3 cup evaporated milk; 2 teaspoons salt; 4 eggs; 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon rind; 2 tablespoons finely grated orange rind; 5 cups flour plus 1 cup for kneading surface

Melt 1 stick butter, milk, 1/3 cup sugar and salt in a saucepan. Cool to lukewarm. Combine 2 tablespoons sugar, yeast and water in a large mixing bowl. Let stand until it foams (5-10 minutes). Beat eggs into yeast mixture, then add milk mixture and lemon and orange rinds. Stir in flour, 1/2 cup at a time, reserving 1 cup for the kneading surface. Knead dough until smooth (about 5-10 minutes). Place in large mixing bowl that has been greased. Turn dough once to grease top; cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Filling: 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 3 plastic trinkets or 3 dry red beans 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 Tablespoon cinnamon 1 stick butter, melted
Topping: Either 1 egg beaten or Confectioner's Sugar Icing (see below) Then 1/3 cup each colored sugar of purple, yellow and green

For filling, mix pecans, brown sugar, granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

For topping, tint sugar by mixing in food coloring When dough has doubled, punch down and divide in half. On a floured surface, roll half into a rectangle 30 x 15 inches (this takes a long time for me, and the dough gets to be very thin). Brush with half of the melted butter and cut into 3 lengthwise strips. Sprinkle half of sugar mixture and pecans on strips, leaving a 1-inch lengthwise strip free for sealing. Fold each strip lengthwise toward the center, sealing the seam. You will now have three 30-inch strips with sugar and nut mixture enclosed in each. Braid the 3 strips and make a circle by joining the ends. Repeat with the other half of the dough.

Friday, 23 March 2018 12:39

Advent

Christmas Service at St. Anne’s

On each Sunday in Advent, we light a candle on our advent wreath. There is a theme on each of the Sundays: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love. For each of these weeks, I hope to share with you in my brief reflections a quote and a Scripture that asks us to reflect a bit deeper on each of these themes.

Advent Four: Love
For God loved the world so much that he gave the unique Son of God ...
John 3:16 (Living Bible)

We have heard this verse from the Gospel of John countless times in our lives. It is quoted so often as it holds within it something of a summary of the entire Gospel and Christ coming to us. As we prepare to enter the fourth and final week of Advent, the theme is love. Sometimes I find as Christians we, myself included, speak about the love of God rather casually, which on one level is understandable because God’s love is the air we have breathed and the food we have eaten for our entire lives. Yet when we give ourselves some moments to truly grasp the height and depth, the length and breadth of this love, we invite God’s Spirit to continue its transformative work in our lives through the power of this love. In all of the busyness of these next weeks, my hope for us all is that we will in the quietness of our hearts find a resting place in the truth of how greatly we are love, and how out of that love God acted ... for God so loved ... that he gave.

All I want to say to you is,
“You are the beloved,”
And all I hope is
That you can hear
These words
As spoken to you
With all the tenderness
And force
That love can hold.
My only desire is
To make these
Words reverberate
In every corner
Of your being.
Henri Nouwen
From Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World

Some people are unsure of the meaning of Advent. This short Youtube video might help you understand it better.

A Year in the Church, Advent Through Epiphany Including Candlemas with thanks to the Reverend Marty Levesque

Advent Family materials from  Illustrated Ministries can be found here.

Readings and Prayers for Advent from the Diocese of Brandon can be found here on our Diocesan website

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Devotions & Prayers for Home

The Twelve Days of Christmas

The twelve days of Christmas, as a festival, have a long history. According to one source, it was first mentioned as a festal tide by the eastern Father, Ephraem Syrus, at the end of the fourth century, and was declared to be such by the western Council of Tours in 567 A.D. The laws of Ethelred (991-1016) ordained it to be a time of peace and concord among Christians, when all strife must cease — perhaps the beginning of the traditional Christmas truces observed up through World War I. The twelve days count from Christmas Day to the feast of the Epiphany, January 6.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree. The partridge in a pear tree symbolizes Christ Jesus, the Word made flesh, the Son of God.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! Matthew 23:37.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave o me, two turtle doves.
The two turtle doves symbolize the Old and the New Testaments which together bear witness to God’s self-revelation in history and the creation of the people to tell the story of God to the world.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In his was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.   John 1: 1-5.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, three french hens.
Three french hens are and were extremely expensive and treasured fowl. They symbolize the three theological virtues given from God and poured into our hearts: 1) Faith; 2) Hope, and 3) Love.
If I speak the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 13.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, four calling birds.
The four calling birds or ‘colly birds meaning black birds’ symbolize the Four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke and 4) John.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world new him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him and cried “This was he of whom I said, “he who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.’”). John 6-15.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, five golden rings.
The five gold rings probably refer to the five gold rings that can be found on the ringed necked pheasants. In the context of this symbolism the five gold rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3, Leviticus, 4) Numbers and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity’s triumphs and failure in sinfulness and God’s response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world.
And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24: 25-27.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, six geese-a-laying. Eggs are an almost universal symbol of new life, fertility and resurrection. The Six Geese A-laying symbolize the six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world.
And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning a sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished and all the host of them, And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had done and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done. Genesis 1:31, Genesis 2: 1-2.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, seven swans-a-swimming. The seven swans a-swimming symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit can also be described as wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. They may also describe the seven sacraments of the Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction (Last Rites), Holy Orders (ordination) and Matrimony.
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are inspired by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. 1 Corinthians 12: 7 - 11.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, eight maids-a-milking.
The maids who milked the cows were the least of the servants in a home. The eight maids a-milking symbolize the eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before all, that they may see your good works and give you glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5: 14 - 16.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, nine ladies dancing.
The nine Ladies dancing symbolize the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit. The early church honoured the Holy Spirit as the face of the Divine Feminine. The nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit are: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness, 6) generosity, 7) Faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. They may also remind us of the nine choirs of angels (In ascending order): 1. Angels; 2) Archangels, 3) Principalities; 4. Powers; 5) Virtues, 6) Dominations, 7) Thrones, 8) Cherubim and 9) Seraphim.
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, ten lords-a-leaping.
The Ten Lords a-leaping symbolize the ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God’s name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honour your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet.
Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5: 17-19.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, eleven pipers piping. The eleven pipers piping symbolize the eleven faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, the Great, 4) John, 5) Phillip, 6 Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus (James the Less), 10) Simon the Zealot, 11 Jude (aka Thaddeus), The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:6-8

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, twelve drummers drumming.Reading:  The 12 drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed:
1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. 5) On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. &) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the Holy Catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.
And from His fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known. John1:17
 
Prayer for Advent
In the long nights of December,
We listen, Lord, for the words you speak.
How can we hear you
When the markets and machines are so loud,
When the sellers and the entertainers
clamor for our every attention?
Still we would listen for you
And hear of wars so we may long for peace, And hear of oppression
So we may long for justice,
And hear of hunger so we may long for you. Then make a path, O God,
So righteousness and peace
Shall meet and shall kiss
And with that kiss, with that glory,
Shall we and this good creation
Praise and bless your coming. Amen.
 
Advent Wreath Song
A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright; A candle of Hope in December's dark night.
While Joseph dreams deeply under heav'n's starry sky Our hearts we prepare now, for Jesus is nigh.
A candle is burning, a candle of Peace; A candle to signal that fighting must cease. For Jesus is coming to show us the way; A message of Peace humbly laid in the hay.
A candle is burning, a candle of Joy; A candle to welcome brave Mary's new boy. Our hearts fill with wonder and eyes light and glow, as Joy brightens winter like sunshine on snow.
A candle is burning, a candle of Love; A candle to point us to heaven above. A baby for Christmas, a wonderful birth; For Jesus is bringing God's Love to our earth.

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