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Advent - the Second Sunday! The very music swells and lifts at the beginning of George Frederick Handel's "Messiah" as the tenor sings: "Every valley shall be exalted." The stacco of "ev-ry va-al-ley" jumps up the scale as though the music itself ids lifting up the valleys making a level path and a smooth way. Performances of the Messiah abound this time of year in concert halls , churches, and on television. Listen closely , and you may even hear selections punctuate the piped music of malls and department stores. What is fascinating is that most people associate one of the most famous selections from the Messiah with Christmas. But the " Hallelujah" chorus is not a part of the Christmas section of the Messiah! It comes at the end of part two, the section devoted to Christ's passion, death, and (Hallelujah!) resurrection. There is a certain wisdom in associating this Easter message with the Advent-Christmas season. It is Christ's resurrection from the dead that is the origin of our faith. And while we prepare to celebrate His birth, what we are ultimately called to do is to be ready for when He comes again. The prophet's message that "all flesh shall see the salvation of God," is a reminder in this Advent Season of where we are really headed. It's likely that we're getting into our cars s little more these days heading to stores and parties and Christmas events. We hope that the road we travel will be smooth. But the prophet's vision isn't about highway projects. It is about eternal salvation. Maybe when we get behind the wheel each day this month we can just say a little prayer asking God to keep us on the right path.
December 6th is the feast of St Nicholas Holy Nicholas, patron of seafarers and helper of those in need, when children were in want you cared for them, and when people were threatened you offered aid, May we follow your example. When the youngest and most vulnerable are at risk, may we rise up to protect them, regardless of the cost to our wealth or reputation. When we are blessed with an abundance of gifts, may we care for the needy and the poor is spite of our desire to cling to what is ours. Give us generous hearts in this season of giving, and throughout our lives , so that we may conform, like you, to the very love of God. Amen
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