By the Rev. James A. Weathersby,
In the Christian tradition, the Liturgical season of Advent ("coming" in Latin) consists of the four Sundays prior to Christmas (Christ-Mass, Celebration of Christ). Charles Dickens in his book A Christmas Carol, has the three Spirits of Christmas as Past, Present, and Future. Advent began those themes for celebrating Christ: Christ has come, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again. Each Sunday in the Advent Season has a theme to prepare the hearts and minds of those observing Christmas: Hope (Elpis in Greek), Peace (Irene), Joy (Chara or Xara), and Love (Agape). The heart, mind, and spirit of each person observing Christmas are invited to renew their beliefs and practices by remembering Jesus Christ. The challenge of Advent is to remember and celebrate Christ throughout the years among our families and communities. Advent is a yearly observance for a lifetime of remembered experiences as people of faith.
The most beautiful component of Advent is the openness and reception for anyone and everyone. There is no distinction between those who attend regularly and those who come only at Christmas and Easter with their children or grandchildren. The emphasis is to come and celebrate as individuals in community, in various countries, on the same planet. The gifts we share with those we love, models and mimics the Gift from God to the World; Jesus Christ is the Divine Gift for humanity. That Divine love is to invite human love, for ourselves and all peoples everywhere. God Bless us, everyone, for all time. Pax
The Rev. James A. Weathersby M.Div., BCC was born in Chicago, product of a dedicated single mother and the Public-School system. He is a genetic Baptist and a historic Democrat; spirituality in his veins for generations. His family valued Education and the Black church; there are four generations of ministers in his family, serving as Pastors of congregations and Chaplains in Institutions. His Bachelors of Arts came from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois from the Reformed Churches of America tradition. His Masters of Divinity Degree (specialty in Pastoral Care and Counseling) came from the southern Baptist Theological Seminary of Louisville Kentucky, from the Southern Baptist tradition. His professional career as a Chaplain includes serving populations in Hospitals, Hospice, both Men’s and Women’s Corrections (Death Row Chaplain) in several Midwestern states. His time in Maine has included Chaplaincy at a Youth Development Center, Pastor to an island congregation and lately, Chaplain (II) of the State Forensic and civil Psychiatric Center. He has been honored to be married for 27 years and enjoy writing, yoga, and reading.
Gifts, painting by Valerie A. Clemons.
