The appointed Epistle reading today is a continuation of Peter’s Second Letter. Today we read:
Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory, since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. (2 Pet. 1: 12-21).
There is a billboard on the New Jersey side of the Lincoln Tunnel which goes into New York City placed by the organization American Atheists which reads: “You KNOW it’s a Myth. This Season, Celebrate REASON.”
Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory, since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. (2 Pet. 1: 12-21).
There is a billboard on the New Jersey side of the Lincoln Tunnel which goes into New York City placed by the organization American Atheists which reads: “You KNOW it’s a Myth. This Season, Celebrate REASON.”
Today’s Epistle reading takes issue with the billboard. Those who profess not to believe in God certainly take a great deal of time and effort in attempting to refute God’s existence. One might almost say that they are “dogmatic” about it, even trying to “evangelize” those who do believe.
In the miracle of the Incarnation, the eternal God takes on human mortality, the omnipotent God takes on human vulnerability; God the creator becomes the created. I have to admit, that’s not very reasonable, but neither is love. Love that sacrifices is not reasonable. Just ask any parent.
You and I know love is not a myth. Celebrate the Reason for the Season, the Miracle of the Incarnation, the Word become Flesh, Jesus Christ.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE SATURDAY’S BBQ FUNDRAISER AN UNMATCHED SUCCESS! Thank you to Neil Strawder who came home to help and who brought all of his BBQ buddies with him, and thank you to each and every one of you who made this work. St. Augustine is blessed with people who are filled with the Holy Spirit and who work to build God’s Kingdom in our part of the world. Melva will have the final accounting, but from the initial numbers, it appears that St. Augustine’s has outdone itself! Here is a link to the Houston Press article on the event and St. Augustine’s:
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/2010/12/neil_bigmista_strawder_returns.php
CALENDAR REMINDERS
Christmas Eve Eucharist: 24 December at 5:00 p.m.
Adult Christian Formation: The Advent series continues next Sunday.
Bishop’s Committee Meeting: Next Sunday.
Please remember everyone on our prayer list, especially, Cindi, Carol, Bob, John and Lee.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
CALENDAR REMINDERS
Christmas Eve Eucharist: 24 December at 5:00 p.m.
Adult Christian Formation: The Advent series continues next Sunday.
Bishop’s Committee Meeting: Next Sunday.
Please remember everyone on our prayer list, especially, Cindi, Carol, Bob, John and Lee.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
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