Advent – Putting on the armor of light

With the arrival of December 1^st, we are now into the first week of Advent.  It is a time of busy-ness all around us.  Families gathering, shopping to do, decorating, an increase in social obligations, work parties, community parties, school parties – is this true for you as well?  It is also a time of increasing darkness as we move toward the shortest days of the year just before Christmas breaks in with all of its light and life. 

With all this busy-ness, and all of this activity, we may feel bombarded with “to do” lists, and also with the sense that there is a disconnect between the spirituality of Advent and the reality of the “holiday season.”

A helpful balm in the midst of this busy time is our Collect for the first Sunday of Advent.  Some of you might have missed hearing the Collect if you were away for the Sunday just after Thanksgiving, but it is perhaps my favorite Collect of the entire church year:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

We pray that in this time of Advent that we would “cast away the works of darkness,” that, even in this busy time, with all the temptations to be “of the world,” we know that God is giving us grace.  In this time, we know that God is empowering us to find time to reflect, to ponder as Mary did, to seek to go deep, and also to remember God in the midst of the blitz of the holiday shopping season.

We pray that we would put on “the armor of light,” which is a fascinating image, one in which we use our own deep hope and joy to create a physical protection around ourselves.  However, this protection is not merely defensive, rather, like light itself, it fills the world with the light of Christ.  If you have read Harry Potter, this is something like (in my thinking) the notion of a patronus, which is a figure of light and life which emerges from our own positive thoughts of joy and hope.  This patronus or armor of light casts away the works of darkness, and all the things of this world which can steal away our hope and joy and love.

And so, I pray that even in the midst of the increasing darkness of these days, we all might find new ways to “put on an armor of light,” or (if you like) to push out our own patronuses into the world, projecting light, and hope and joy and peace and love into a world that is in such desperate need of them.  As we walk the ways of Advent, we prepare for the coming of the one true light, and we do not walk alone, for our armor is not merely protection for us, but is projected outward, and together we will fill even the darkest places with the light that God has provided.

Peter+

An early Advent?

Emmanuel Way Newsletter Article

November 2011

The Rev. Peter M. Carey

An early Advent?     

With the Christmas decorations already in many stores and the commercial aspects of the holiday season getting into full swing even before Thanksgiving occurs, I wonder what happens to Advent in the mix of all this commercial chaos?  And so, here in the month of November, I am going to write a bit about Advent.  

My proposal is that we should really begin to focus on Advent before the “official” time that Advent begins so that we might gain some of the spiritual benefits of this rich and deep season before we are consumed by the commercialization of the season.  I have read that in medieval times, Advent was actually practiced for 7 weeks or more, instead of the four weeks that we now have for the season, so this effort is not without precedent.

Advent is a time of expectation, and a time of going deep within one’s self as we each prepare a place for God in our hearts and in our lives.  Just as we might imagine Mary and Joseph preparing a place for a baby in their own busy and chaotic lives, we also might find ways to prepare a place for Christ in our lives today.  Of course, God is with us, and Christ abides with us and in us at all times.  However, doing some clearing away some of the spiritual clutter of our lives may, in fact, provide room for Christ to enter in anew this year. 

What are some tangible things that we can do?  One is to take a look around your house and see if there are a few areas where you can open up space.  Perhaps there is a pile of books next to your comfy chair which are nice to have there, but books that you haven’t yet read, and books that don’t need to be there.  Perhaps putting the books away in order to leave open some space can be an outward and visible sign of what we are also striving to do in our hearts. 

What about if you have children and there is a plethora of toys scattered in their rooms, or in a playroom.  Perhaps in this time we could choose to put away some of the toys, to put them in a box for a time, in the attic or basement, so that some room is made clear.  Perhaps we could even have a conversation with our kids about “preparing a place” for Jesus just as the animals in the stable might have done. 

And what about our daily calendar, what about our many appointments and to do lists, what about our time that we spend online which is mere filler time, what about the time that we turn on the television and have it on in the background, just filling up the airwaves of our homes?  Could we move a few things off of our calendars?  Could we put off one or two items until January?  Could we turn off the constant banter on the radio or television? 

Jesus said repeatedly, let those with eyes see, let those with ears, hear.  Sometimes, I think that the reason some of us don’t recognize God’s presence, and God’s voice in our lives is that we pollute our vision and our hearing with a cacophony of sights and sounds.

How might you “prepare a home” for Christ in our midst?  How might you, like Mary, “ponder these things” in your heart?  I encourage you, even in this (somewhat) early month of November to begin to “practice Advent” in your lives.  Practicing Advent living may offer up deep spiritual benefits and help us to recognize Christ in this season of expectation and preparation.

(Early) Advent Blessings!

Peter+

September 2011 ~ Emmanuel Way Article ~ The Rev. Peter M. Carey

The Rev. Peter M. Carey

September 2011 “Emmanuel Way” Column

An invitation to transformation

From Christian Education through Christian Formation to Christian Transformation

An often-used metaphor for education is of the pail that is filled; that we must fill the pail with knowledge of readin’, writin’ and ‘rithmatic, or in churchy terms – the Bible, liturgy, and tradition, perhaps.  However, we probably know that God wants more from us than to be “full pails.”  Rather, God wants us to be fully alive, living abundant lives and seeking and serving Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves. 

Perhaps a better metaphor is perhaps being sculpted, or “formation.”  It has become common in church to talk about “youth formation” and “adult formation” and “lifelong formation,” with the understanding that we are all works-in-progress.  No matter how well we think we are doing, we can do better.  No matter how proud of our efforts, God sees that we have more within us.  The nice thing about this metaphor of being sculpted is that we recognize that God is the sculptor, and we are mere stones, and we are contingent upon God’s grace and God’s work in our lives.  [You will notice that I am beginning to use the term “Christian Formation” and not “Christian Education” in our various publications and on our website.]

However, I believe that God is looking even deeper.  I believe that God is actually seeking “transformation,” for each of us.  God is seeking that we don’t just become well-crafted statues, but that we are actually changed from the inside-out.  God is seeking us to turn to God, and turn with compassion to one another.  God, after all, sent his son to redeem us, and to help us live abundant lives.  “I have come so that you might have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10.  It is this life of abundance that Jesus is calling us to, and moving us towards, always.  This kind of transformation takes work on our part, work to consider the ways that our lives are closely linked with lives of people close by and far way.  This kind of transformation calls us to not only recite the creeds and the baptismal covenant, but actually live them out in real ways each day.  This kind of transformation will require more of us than we can possibly imagine.

So, how might we engage with this kind of transformation.  I would argue that there is an inward journey and an outward journey.  The inward journey might include taking on a prayer and study discipline (even thought is it not Lent) that would include reflecting on the Sunday lectionary readings.  Our Sunday School will be studying the Sunday readings each week – could we each pledge to join in this effort?  Could we step up and “read, mark, and inwardly digest” the scriptures in a deep and dedicated way ~ and then see what might emerge?  The outward journey might include reflecting deeply on the places of dryness and hardness in our lives – those places where we’d rather not go.  Those places may just be the places we actually ARE called to go!  The admonition to “take up your cross and follow” might just include traveling that way that is most difficult.  What work do you need to be doing?  Who do you need to forgive (perhaps yourself!)? Where is there pain and heartache in your own circle of friends and family?  Where is there pain and suffering in our community?  This kind of transformation may indeed move us into the mission field in an even more engaged way.

It may be that what we are each called to do is to delve deeply into our very souls, using prayer and scripture as a guide, and then find the outward pathway that might move us each in a new direction.   Our transformation as children of God may just be moving us to a place where we haven’t been before, and to a way of life that we haven’t yet already lived.  Do we have the courage to do it?  It can be helpful to remember that God is guiding us and supporting us at all times.  To what is God calling us?  Transformation and a new abundant life await each of us! 

Peter+

August 2011 ~ Emmanuel Way Article ~ The Rev. Peter M. Carey

The Rev. Peter M. Carey

Emmanuel Way Newsletter Column, August 2011

With the season of Pentecost beginning on June 12^th, we enter the “Ordinary Time” in which we recognize the coming of the Holy Spirit among the disciples as they struggled to see how this Jesus Movement would continue after Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension.  The coming of the Holy Spirit brought with it the sense of the many gifts that are given to us in our lives.  We are given our life itself, we are given some time on this earth, we are given some health, some wealth, and some skills and attributes.  Perhaps we wish for more health, or wealth, or skills or attributes.  There are days when I wish I could run as quickly as an NFL wide receiver or that I could increase the hours in a day.  However, I pray that I will be grateful for the gifts that have been given to me, and I pray that I might live more often a life of gratitude rather than a life of regret or envy. 

We have been given many gifts individually, and we have been given many gifts here at Emmanuel.  We are blessed with many many wonderful people who help us to continue the great story of God in this place and this time.  I am deeply thankful for the many gifts that you offer to us, and I pray prayers of thanksgiving for all that you bring to our community. 

In this season of Pentecost, when we remember the ways that the Spirit has offered each of us many gifts, we also hope that you might consider offering your gifts in new and even more abundant ways to Emmanuel and to the greater world.  What gifts do you have that are not fully engaged?  We need your help, we need you to offer more of yourself to the others in our church.  I pray that you might reflect on the gifts that you have been given and consider how you might offer these to our church.  There are many many opportunities for ministry here, and where we don’t have a program or ministry that matches up with your gifts, there is room for the Spirit to move us to do something new, something different.  As we move into the late summer and fall, you will hear about opportunities to give your gifts here at Emmanuel.  I pray that you might offer a bit of the many gifts you have to others in our community, knowing that in giving freely a bit of your abundance you will also receive abundantly.

In gratitude for all you are, and all you give,

In Joy,

Peter+

May 2011 ~ Emmanuel Way Article ~ The Rev. Peter M. Carey

The Rev. Peter M. Carey

Emmanuel Way Newsletter Monthly Column

May 2011

Easter is 50 Days!

With the Easter candy arriving in the stores shortly after the Valentine’s candy left, it might feel like we’ve already been “observing” Easter for a couple of months.  However, those of us who strive to follow the church liturgical calendar know that Easter Sunday begins the season of Easter.  While the stores might be now stocking the shelves for the next minor consumer holiday, we know that the season of Easter has only just begun, and continues for 50 days, until the Day of Pentecost on June 12^th.  On Easter we proclaimed, “Christ is risen – the Lord is Risen indeed – Alleluia!” and this is our proclamation for each day of Easter season. 

What might it mean to live “Easter Lives” or to be an “Easter People”? 

Well, we know that the disciples huddled in fear in the upper room after hearing the story from Mary Magdalene about the Resurrection.  In the midst of that room, Jesus came and proclaimed “Peace be with you!”  In the midst of fear and doubt, Jesus stepped into the room and blessed them, and gave them a charge to bless others and to forgive them.  Jesus forgave his disciples, even though they abandoned him.  He blessed them, even though they did not really deserve blessing.  We have been blessed – whether or not we feel like we deserve it.  God blesses us!  As we are! And we have been forgiven.  We have been empowered to live as “Easter people” who would be the sort of people who would go out “rejoicing in the power of the Spirit” and who would be a blessing, and offer blessing, and forgive others. 

What needs blessing in your life?  What needs your presence, your attention, your prayers and compassion?  You can offer a blessing to those places, relationships, and patterns that need it?  Where is forgiveness needed?  Start with yourself, what about yourself needs your own forgiveness?  Stop and feel God’s forgiveness for your own regrets and mistakes.  Take time, be gentle with yourself.  After working on your own forgiveness, see if there is one person, one relationship, one memory, that you can offer forgiveness.  Don’t rush it.  If you are not ready, don’t rush.  However, strive to forgive, for you have been forgiven.

Easter is 50 days!  Alleluia!  Christ is Risen!  The Lord is Risen indeed, Alleluia!

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery

established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all

who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body

may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith;

through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you

and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

May you feel God’s blessing and forgiveness as you strive to be a blessing and offer forgiveness, Peter+

April 2011 ~ Emmanuel Way Article ~ The Rev. Peter M. Carey

The Rev. Peter M. Carey

Emmanuel Way Column – April 2011

As we make our way through the season of Lent, we walk the way with Jesus in the desert, considering not only his journey there, but also the journey of his life on earth.  As we approach Palm Sunday on April 17^th and Holy Week, which follows, the drama of the season reaches its height.  Jesus enters Jerusalem as the messiah and king.  However, as the week proceeds, his disciples and followers learn that he is a messiah like no other, and a king like nothing that they had ever seen.  The messiah who entered Jerusalem to the waving of palm branches and hails and shouts of joy ends the week on a cross.

Our own Lenten journey would be enhanced if we each enter into the story in whatever way that we can as we approach Holy Week.  It has become my practice to read each of the four canonical gospel accounts of the Holy Week.  Have you read these accounts recently?  Have you used your imagination to consider how you might have seen these events?  What about a bystander?  What about a follower of Jesus just outside the close companionship of the disciples?  What about the experience of someone who had earlier been healed by Jesus?  What about the experience of Lazarus of Bethany, who had been raised by Christ?  What about the perspective of the Temple priests?  What about the perspective of Pilate’s wife (who may have been a sometime follower of Jesus)?  What about the experience of those whose feet were washed by Jesus on Maundy Thursday?

How well do you know the gospel accounts?  Where might you find yourself in the story? 

Though we read these stories every year, and though we walk the way of Jesus each year as Holy Week approaches, we can find new sights, new sounds, new smells, new tastes and new perspectives on this old old story.  Do you have (new) eyes to see?  Do you have (new) ears to hear?

I encourage us all to continue to keep a holy Lent, and to consider entering into Holy Week with new eyes and ears.  The more we can enter into Holy Week, the more we can rejoice in the Easter Feast on April 24^th!

Peace and Blessings,

Peter+