An Invitation for a Holy Advent

Aloha! Well, I have to say we really enjoyed our vacation as we cruised around Maui,
Hawai‘i Island, and Kaua‘i on the good ship “Pride of America.” But, I can’t tell you how
happy I am to be back at St. Tim’s. I missed worshiping with you! But I did enjoy watching
the services on Facebook. My sincere thanks to Rev. David Ota who filled in so beautifully
on these past two Sundays as we honored Queen Lili‘uokalani and then King
Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma.

This is a big week at St. Timothy’s! On Thursday we observed Thanksgiving Day, and we had a special service of Eucharist at 10 a.m. in the chapel (you can watch thevideo on our St. Tim’s Facebook page if you missed it in person), followed by our Thanksgiving Dinner in Sumida Hall. We are grateful for the member who donated a Zippy’s turkey, and for all who brought their delicious side dishes. I pray that everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family, wherever you may be. I am so grateful for you!

This Sunday, December 1, is the First Sunday of Advent. While the world around us is
decorating for Christmas, we begin a new church year by focusing on Luke 21:25-36—a
“high heat” apocalyptic text about the end of times. It’s a grim lesson that hardly seems
fitting as we hear joyful Christmas carols wherever we go. But it’s an important reminder
that one day Jesus will return for us in victory. So, we prepare our hearts not only for the
birth of Jesus in the manger, but also for the coming of Jesus at the end of time. We’ll dig
more deeply into this powerful gospel lesson together on Sunday.

Speaking of Advent, I hope you will ponder these words by Linda Buskirk from the Episcopal Church Foundation:

​In Advent, we are invited to journey with Joseph and Mary, considering their amazing calls to serve and how they responded in faith and obedience. We are invited to expect a great light and to find it lying in a manger.

From today onwards, let’s each RSVP in the affirmative to the invitation for a holy Advent. Resolve to make time for prayer, wonder, and contemplation. Invite your family or friends to join you in lighting an Advent wreath at home. Seek new understanding through spiritual Advent resources available at Vital Practices or Forward Movement. Consider how you can bring the Light of Christ into the world of an aging neighbor, a grieving friend, or a Santa Claus ringing a bell.

The invitation of Advent is not about giving up merriment, but it does require
intentionality to push back the crowds, catalogs, and spiked eggnog. Create space for holiness and reverent attention. Accept the invitation to light and love.

Dear sisters and brothers, let’s accept that invitation and prepare our hearts for a holy Advent and a joyous Christmas. You are in my prayers, and I ask for your prayers for St. Timothy’s Church, for our dedicated staff and our devoted lay leaders, and for your vicar. May God bless you all. 

Aloha Ke Akua!
Fr. Pete+