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Rector's Ramblings
“The Pause That Refreshes”
As we come to the end of Advent, and the beginning of the Christmas Season, I encourage us all to follow the genius of this marketing slogan. Take “the pause that refreshes”. I do not mean that one has to consume the product of a certain company who introduced that phrase into the popular idiom in 1929, but to step back and take a moment to reflect on what we are proclaiming during this season.
Take a pause from being over programmed. Take a pause from purchasing, wrapping, cooking, baking, decorating, and just plain being busy over the next few days. Take a pause from social media. Take a pause from anxiety, worry, and fear. Take a pause from anger, unhealthy criticism, and blame towards others. Take a pause from anger, unhealthy criticism, and blame towards yourself . Take a pause and look deep in your heart, and ask if Christ is more present in, and to, you today than last Christmas.
Take that pause and make it a time of pure prayer to our Living God. Ask that God clear our hearts and minds from the concerns of the moment and fill us with love and grace, that He may find in our hearts a home fit for Him. Set time apart as we draw closer to Christmas Day to make this prayer in your own words, or in the words of the Collect for this Sunday:
“Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”
If like me, you find you need more Jesus; for Him to be ever more in your heart, take that pause, and know that God is faithful to His promise to refresh those who turn to Him.
May our Lord bless you with his increased presence this Christmas,
Rev. David J. Halt, SSC,
Rector
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WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK
THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT:
December 20, 2020
Low Mass at 8am.
Christian Education for all ages at 9 am.
High Mass at 10am.
Afternoon Mass at 5:30pm
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ITEMS OF PARTICULAR NOTE
CHRISTMAS GREENERY ENVELOPES are in the pews.
Under the godly instruction of our Father in God, Bishop Sumner, and out of concern for our fellow parishioners: a mask must be worn at all times, social distancing must be observed, admission shall be limited to the spaces marked, and singing is to be avoided. Please cooperate in observing these directions for the good of our Parish.
This Sunday we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent.
Christmas Services will be celebrated on 12/24 at 4:30PM and 10:00PM. On Christmas Day there will be 10:00AM (1928 BCP) and 6:30PM Masses. The “Midnight Mass” and Last Mass on Christmas will include the a cappella singing of “Silent Night” outside the sanctuary. The Diocese strongly recommends that, for their safety, clergy and liturgical leaders spend no more than two hours per day leading worship. This recommendation necessitated moving the 6:30 Mass to Christmas Day, and cancellation of the choral/organ prelude to the 10:00PM Mass.
Blessings of Homes. There is a long-standing custom of blessing homes for Epiphany. If you wish to have a home blessing during that season please let Fr. Halt know.
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UPCOMING CALENDAR ITEMS
Christmas Services will be celebrated on 12/24 at 4:30PM & 10:00PM. Mass on Christmas Day will be at 10:00AM (1928 BCP) & 6:30PM.
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Did you know that you can now pay your pledge or make a gift to Saint James' Church through our secure online payment system?
See http://saintjamestxk.org/giving/ for details.
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PARISH GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES
THE FLOWER DONOR CHART is in the Narthex (porch) to sign-up to give flowers in memory or in thanksgiving of a loved one, or you may call or e-mail Martha Bean at 903-547-6911 – e-mail wpmvb@windstream.net . The cost is still just $35 per donor, per Sunday. What a great way to honor or remember those who are important in our lives!
You can also now make your flower dedication through the Parish Website by visiting the form here.
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