Today we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. This feast brings the liturgical year to a triumphant conclusion, as we proclaim the Reign of Christ sovereign in our lives. The Resurrection of Christ forever bears witness to the power of love. It is this love, particularly shown to “the least of [his] brothers and sisters,” that is the defining characteristic of the Reign of Christ.
The celebration of the Feast of Christ the King means that the season of Advent, which marks the beginning of the new Church year, is right around the corner! This year, we will have several Advent offerings at St. Paul’s that will help us live into our Vision 2020 Parish Strategic Plan’s goal of deepening our spiritual vitality. Next Saturday, December 2nd, we will welcome Brooks Saunders Wilson who will lead us in an iconography workshop. Be sure to sign up for this inspirational morning! Next Sunday, December 3rd, we will make Advent wreaths that will fill our homes with the beauty and aroma of fresh greens as we prepare to celebrate Christmas.
This Advent we will introduce two new spiritual offerings. One will be a series of weekly Advent meditations offered by our parish clergy. These meditations will be offered in both written and video formats. Rev. Kathleen will begin the series with a reflection on the traditions of the Advent wreath and the Advent calendar. In subsequent weeks, I will offer a reflection on the genealogy of Jesus, Fr. David will reflect on the “O” Antiphons, and Deacon Helen will help us explore Advent through the eyes and hearts of Mary and Joseph.
The other new spiritual offering is the Disciple Tree. Like the Angel Tree, the Disciple Tree will have ornaments that you can take. These ornaments will be an invitation to celebrate the Birth of Jesus by giving of your time and talent in prayer for, and service to, others.