Dear Cathedral Family and Friends,
The readings and collect for this final Sunday in Advent focus our attention on the essential reason for this season: we are the dwelling to which God comes, and our readiness to receive Him is everything. We don’t go to God; God comes to us.
In this year when so many of our expectations and preparations have been upended, the Good News that God comes to dwell with us no matter what is especially welcome. The preparation that matters is the preparation of our hearts. Mary’s response to the angel’s news is our model for this.
This unique time of God will still have Christmas, even though it may not coincide with the expectations we have developed over the years. Members of the Cathedral Family have received email invitations to sign up for one of the three Christmas services we will hold this year: a family service at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, a festival Eucharist with musical prelude at 5 p.m., and a quiet Eucharist on Christmas Day at 10 a.m. Each of these services will accommodate 100 people, which should enable those who are able to attend in-person worship to find a place. Please know that if there are spaces remaining next week, we will open registration on our website for anyone who is looking for a service to attend.
You have probably read or seen the news about the “Bethlehem Star” celestial event that will occur early next week. Although this is being presented as a possible “replication” of the star followed by the wise men from the east, this interpretation misses the point of the biblical star. The light that drew seekers from afar so long ago was—and still is today—the light of Christ, the love of God that has come into the world in human form.
My prayer is that your Christmas may be filled with that light—and that each of us will bear that light into the world.
May you know God’s peace,
Beverly+
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