Happy New Year!

Nope.  I’m not early.  As I have been appreciating more and more, the beginning of the blessed season of Advent is the beginning of the Christian year.  As we quiet down our hearts each evening, dimming the lights, lighting the candles and bathing our minds in the promises of scripture (every last one of which is fulfilled in Christ!), we begin our year anew, one year closer to the new heaven, the new earth, the heavenly city come to earth, the drying of every tear, the healing of the nations and the answering to all of creation’s groanings!

As the year is made new, Christ’s faithful presence with us makes us new.

So, as this year brings us closer to the glorious return of Jesus and the Resurrection that is our hope, may this year bring each of us closer to the Author and Finisher of our Faith.  May God richly bless you this year.

In His Hope,
Tom

The Sunday Collect – Easter VI

Sixth Sunday of Easter

O God, You have prepared for those who love You such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards You, that we, loving You in all things and above all things, may obtain Your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

The Sunday Collect – Easter V

All right… I’m late today.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth and the life, that we may steadfastly follow His steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.  Amen.

The Sunday Collect – Easter IV

Hi again; a blessed Lord’s Day to you all.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

O God, whose Son Jesus is the Good Shepherd of Your people: Grant that when we hear His voice we may know Him who calls us each by name, and follow where He leads; who, with You and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

The Sunday Collect

I’ve gotten away from praying and sharing the collects (prayers) of the Church. However, Easter is a time for starting anew. Great. Here goes:

Third Sunday of Easter

O God, whose blessed Son made Himself known to His disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold Him in all His redeeming work; who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

An … oddly … quiet … Easter …

I tell myself, I know Easter is not just a day; it’s a season. I remind myself, Our daughter’s got a fever of 102; staying home makes sense.

But, right or not, it’s odd to spend Easter Sunday walking to the Supermarket, eating Chef Boyardee, playing online Catan with your friend in Ohio, playing with your 3-year old (she really likes to give fake injections), and doing logic puzzles.

But there you have it. Easter 2008.

Being a parent makes odd things happen to your traditions. Granted, new and sometimes better traditions arise as you are introducing a young one to the Savior and teaching her the faith; but others seem a bit more flexible, changeable, even disposable.