Husband, father, and Anglican priest living in the North Georgia Mountains. Sermons, reflections, and articles promoting the "Ancient Faith for Modern Times". Subscribe below to get the latest posts in your inbox.
The kingdom has drawn near in Jesus Christ, and that means we cannot remain neutral. When the true King comes near, every rival kingdom is exposed, the kingdom of self, the kingdom of money, the kingdom of pleasure, the kingdom of political power, the kingdom of religious respectability.
If you belong to Christ already, then Andrew’s example becomes wonderfully simple. Hear Christ’s call and do not make peace with delayed obedience. Look at those near to you and do not assume that someone else will eventually speak.
The servant is responsible for faithfulness, while the harvest belongs to Christ. Andrew does not need Peter’s prominence to validate his own apostleship, and Peter’s prominence does not diminish Andrew’s obedience. Different servants receive different callings within the one mission of Christ.
For many Christians, one of the most familiar signs that Advent has begun is a circle of evergreen holding four candles, with another candle lit as each Sunday brings Christmas nearer. In many churches and homes, a white candle stands in the center waiting to be lit when Christmas finally arrives.
The future does not hang upon human progress, political stability, or the Church’s ability to produce the Kingdom by her own strength. The risen Christ already reigns at the Father’s right hand, and history moves toward the appearing of the King whose victory has been won.
The calendar is not an end in itself, and it should never become a substitute for the living Christ to whom it points. Its value lies precisely in its ability to return the Church to him, year after year, through Scripture, prayer, Sacrament, repentance, remembrance, and praise.