The New Year Begins with Hope
An Advent letter from Bishop Mike.
Dear Diocesan Family,
In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us
(The Benedictus. Luke 1:68-79)
As we enter the solemn season of Advent, may God guide us into the way of peace, give light to those who walk in darkness and the shadow of death, and kindle in us the fire of his love.
A New Liturgical Year
Advent Sunday is the Church's New Year's Day. A new liturgical year begins. It is a season marked by preparation and expectation. In Advent the Church is at her praying best. The cry of the Church in Advent is, "Come, Lord Jesus." The sigh of the Church, along with all creation is, "How long, O Lord?" As Christians, we are not so much looking for something to happen, as we are looking for Someone to arrive. As we await his 'coming again in glory' we are not to drop our heads in discouragement, or shake our heads in despair, as we look around us.
E. Stanley Jones, Methodist Doctor and Missionary to India once wrote, 'The early Christians did not say in dismay: "Look what the world has come to," but in delight, "Look what has come to the world." They saw not merely the ruin, but the resource for the reconstruction of that ruin. They saw not merely that sin did abound, but that grace did much more abound. On that assurance the pivot of history swung from blank despair, loss of moral nerve, and fatalism, to faith and confidence that at last sin had met its match.'
Candle of Hope
The first candle on the Advent Wreath is known as the Candle of Hope. The Church's new year begins with hope! St. Peter reminds us that this hope is not mere wishful thinking,
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
(1 Peter 1:3-5)
People of Hope
Hope lives because Jesus lives! So straighten up beloved, and raise your head, because your redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28) Our liturgical year ended with a joyous and most encouraging Synod, followed by the celebration of Christ The King Sunday. Our new year now begins in sure and certain hope. May we be known in our respective communities as people of hope, and always be ready to give a defence to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15) His kingdom is coming and shall have no end. Alleluia!
As we wait for our blessed hope to be fully revealed, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13), let us commend ourselves and the world to his most gracious rule. He does indeed make all things new.
"The Lord has turned all our sunsets into sunrise" (Clement of Alexandria)
Our Lord says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Happy New Year, Anglican Diocese of Canada, and thank you for your faithful ministry in the service of our most gracious Redeemer,
+Mike
The Right Reverend Mike Stewart
Suffragan Bishop
Practicing Advent for Families
The wonderful folks at St. John’s Vancouver and our God’s Big Story team have prepared an Advent Booklet, calendar and host of materials for families. Observe the beautiful season of Advent together at home with this richly Biblical and Christ-centred discipleship resource.