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Minnesota Episcopal
Environmental Stewardship
Commission (MEESC)

Episcopal Church in Minnesota

Upcoming Activities:

Next Meeting:

We meet quarterly close to the solstice and equinox.

Annual Special Projects

Resolutions:

Resolution on the Spirituality of Food Production

Resolution on Church Buildings and Grounds

Resolution on Creation Season
Resolution on Green Congregations

 

Lectionary Reflection

Year C, Advent 4
General Reflection on the Readings
Episcopal Standard Lectionary and Revised Common Lectionary

Readings

Lesson
Episcopal
Standard Lectionary
Revised
Common Lectionary
Old Testament
(Hebrew Scripture):
 Micah 5:2-4 Micah 5:2-5a
Psalm:
 Psalm 80 Canticle 3 or 15 or
Psalm 80:1-7
New Testament:
 Hebrews 10:5-10 Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel:
 Luke 1:39-49 (50-56) Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)


 

Reflection on Fourth Sunday of Advent: Prepare for New Birth
by the Rev. Margaret W. Thomas

Luke has Mary’s song echo Hannah’s ancient one of mercy and justice in the face of power and corruption.
How Holy and How Wise.

In the Northern hemisphere Christians celebrate new birth as moved to blend with the ancient mysteries of the Sun’s return.
How Holy and How Wise.

In all new births, Spirit joins in Creation anew, Mothers will attest
How Holy and How Wise.

In each generation souls magnify the Lord.
In each generation spirits rejoice in Blessing.

God infleshed, Incarnate, will meet us in the manger.
Any Solstice/Christmas baby greets its family.

Joining a new generation, a new witness to the way.
All creation is joined to watch, prepare, and ponder.

Winter is the time for story telling, mystery and truth.
Ojibway save the winter for such telling, only.

Weaving connections from season to season,
Weaving relationships now and then.

People and animals, Mary and Elizabeth,
Joseph and Zechariah, Jesus and John.

Light shines, all new,  in the face of an infant.
We, too remember and ponder the promises

“Shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.” (Psalm 80:v1)
How Holy and How Wise

Printable version

 

To Reflections on other Readings for Year C, Advent 4:

Reflections available at the active links
Standard (Episcopal) Lectionary
Revised Common
Lectionary
Old Testament
(Hebrew Scripture) Reading:
Micah 5:2-4
Micah 5:2-5a
Psalm
Psalm 80
Canticle 3 or 15 or
Psalm 80:1-7
New Testament Reading:
Hebrews 10: 5-10
Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel
General Reflection for this Sunday (this page)

The Rev. Margaret W. Thomas was the Rector of St. Edward the Confessor Episcopal Church, Duluth, MN, when she wrote this reflection in 2003. Margaret and we welcome your comments. Please address your comments or additional reflections to Margaret W. Thomas or any MEESC member, or mail them to:


 MEESC
c/o C. Morello
4451 Lakeside Drive
Eveleth, MN 55743-4400 USA

The MEESC assumes that all correspondence received is for publication on this web site. If your comments are not for publication, please so note on your correspondence. The MEESC reserves the right to decide which items are included on the website.
   

This page last updated 2013-01-30.

 
 
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