December 18, 2006

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Christmas is drawing near. We will light all four candles of the Advent Wreath, marking our ritual progress of the four weeks preparing for the coming of Christ.

THEME FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT:

The lessons proclaim that a new order is coming. The reading from Micah looks forward to to a time when the smallest and least powerful will upset the plans of the mighty: "Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old."

The Gospel passage from Luke focuses on Mary's visit with Elizabeth. Mary's song of praise known as the Magnificat stresses that God has chosen a person of low prestige as the instrument of God's revelation: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for God has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is God's name." This prayer of Mary is revolutionary in its content; she proclaims the radical equality of all of God's children, which is sure to upset tyrants and the powerful through the centuries: "God has shown strength with his arm; God has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. God has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; God has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty."

THEME FOR CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY:

Of the three different Collects offered for this feast, this one captures the wonder of the Light of God breaking through the darkness of human failure and failings: " O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

The reading from Isaiah emphasizes the coming of the God's light into the world: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness -- on them light has shined." And Isaiah continues with what has become a familiar theme of Christmas: "For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

The reading from Titus emphasizes that Christmas is for all peoples, not just Christians: "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ."

The Gospel from Luke recounts the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, and the message of the angel to the shepherds: "Do not be afraid; for see -- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

May the blessing of the Christ child be with you and your loved ones in this hloly season.

Sincerely,

David A. Killian
Rector

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Sermon on The Fourth Sunday of Advent:

Saturday, December 23rd at 5:00 pm: Toni DeLorenzo
Sunday, December 24th at 10:30 am: Toni DeLorenzo

Sermon on Christmas Eve:

Sunday, December 24th at 3:40 pm: The Rev. David A. Killian
Sunday, December 24th at 10:30 pm: The Rev. David A. Killian

Christmas Eve Services, Sunday, December 24:

3:40 Music by the All Saints Schola
4:00 pm Festal Choral Holy Eucharist
10:30 pm Choral Music for Christmas and Carol Singing
11:00 pm Solemn Festal Choral Holy Eucharist

There are no services at All Saints on December 25, Christmas Day
There is no Sunday 6:00 pm service on December 24 and 31
There is no Celtic Holy Eucharist at 5:00 pm on Saturday, December 30

First Sunday after Christmas, Sunday, December 31:

10:30 am - Christmas Lessons and Carols

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Prayer and Scripture for the weekend of December 23-24, 2006:
The Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve

For the Collect of the Day, Scripture Readings, and Psalm, click here.

For the Collect of the Day, Scripture Readings, and Psalm for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, click here.

For a note on the Music at the Sunday 10:30 am service, from All Saints Music Director Donald Teeters, click here.

For a Story from this Sunday's Gospel by Becky Taylor, Director of Children's Youth, and Family Ministry, click here.

For a note on the Sunday 6:00 pm 'Episcopal Evening' service from Assistant Rector, the Rev. Leslie K. Sterling, click here.

To browse past issues of the All Saints Weekly, click here.

For "All Saints Smiles" and news about events, activities, programs, ministries and the staff of our parish, please click on the All Saints website: www.allsaintsbrookline.org.

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