St. Olave’s is situated on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Anishinabek Nations, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This territory was the subject of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy and the Ojibwe and allied nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. This territory is also covered by the Toronto Purchase. Today, Toronto is home to many Indigenous people and we recognize their enduring presence and connection to this land. We are grateful for the opportunity to gather on this land, and we commit to and pray for the work of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Although Christmas is now so very close, let's try to make the most of what's left of Advent. It's hard not to see and experience Advent as merely a prelude to the big event, but this liturgical season is beautiful and full of meaning in its own right. The deep violet colour used throughout the church over these four weeks evokes the contemplative attitude of this season as we humbly prepare ourselves to welcome our King. One of the great treasures of the Western Christian tradition are the so-called “O Antiphons,” said before and after the Magnificat at Evening Prayer.

The basis of the hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, these beautiful antiphons are said each day leading up to Christmas Eve. They act a bit like a brake in a car, slowing us down as we near our destination, helping us savour the last leg of the journey instead of rushing to arrive. Put the brake on, and pray them each day as we make our final preparations for the coming of the Lord. 

Rob+

December 16 – O Sapientia
O WISDOM, which camest out of the mouth of the Most High, and reachest from one end to another, mightily and sweetly ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence.

December 17 – O Adonai
O ADONAI, and Leader of the house of Israel, who appearedst in the bush to Moses in a flame of fire, and gavest him the law in Sinai: Come and deliver us with an outstretched arm.

December 18 – O Radix Jesse
O ROOT of Jesse, which standest for an ensign of the people, at whom kings shall shut their mouths, to whom the Gentiles shall seek: Come and deliver us, and tarry not.

December 19 – O Clavis David
O KEY of David, and Sceptre of the house of Israel; that openest, and no man shutteth, and shuttest and no man openeth: Come and bring forth the prisoner out of the prison-house, and him that sitteth in the darkness and the shadow of death.

December 20 – O Oriens
O DAY-spring, Brightness of Light everlasting, and Sun of Righteousness: Come and enlighten him that sitteth in darkness and the shadow of death.

December 21 – O Rex gentium
O KING of the Nations, and their desire; the Corner-stone, who makest both one: Come and save mankind, whom thou formedst of clay.

December 22 – O Emmanuel
O EMMANUEL, our King and Lawgiver, the Desire of all nations, and their Salvation: Come and save us, O Lord our God.

December 23 – O Virgo virginum
O VIRGIN of virgins, how shall this be? For neither before thee was any like thee, nor shall there be after. Daughters of Jerusalem, why marvel ye at me? The thing which ye behold is a divine mystery.

Proceeds from the market will go towards ACW good works, which include LOFT Community Housing, Sisters of  St. John the Divine, St. Michael’s Youth Conference and St. Olave’s ministry. 

You are welcome to share the link with others. 

Morning Prayer During Christmastide

This year for the 12 Days of Christmas (December 26 to January 5) we invite you to join St. Olave’s in 12 Days of Prayer. For December 25 and 26 and January 2, we will be praying in church. Monday, December 27 to Saturday, January 1, and Monday, January 3 at 8:30 a.m. we will be saying Morning Prayer on Zoom while Rev’d Rob is on vacation. Your Daily Officers are Carol Drummond and Janice Douglas, with support from Bill Wilson, Jelana Duncan and Annis Tebbutt. All are welcome to join us on Zoom. These services will not be live streamed on Facebook. Morning Prayer for the last two days of Christmas (January 4 and 5) will return to Facebook Live with Rev’d Rob leading (Evening Prayer returns as well).

To receive the Zoom link for the Morning Prayer services, please email the office at stolaves@stolaves.ca.