Advent/Christmastime/Prayer

So this is Christmas....and what have you done? I love that John Lennon song. Although for years, when I heard it, the song depressed me, and I don't really know why. Now I love it, and for me it adds to the joy that is present in the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons.

Christmas has snuck up on me this year. We have been so busy planning a wedding, a honeymoon, and a move, that Advent was upon us before I knew it (maybe because it began when we were on honeymoon. Hmmmm....maybe I was distracted). Years ago some church friends told me that all married couples "backslide" somewhat when they first marry, because they are so into each other and their new life together--i.e. they miss church, don't pray or read their Bibles as much, etc. I have not found this to be true, but I do think they have a point--when we marry we do get distracted, and have to remind ourselves (esp. on honeymoon) to pray and read, and worship as usual (or do the best we can). While in Orlando Shirley and I didn't make church, either Sunday or Wednesday--but I did Morning and Evening Prayer as usual and sometimes we prayed it together, which was good, and rich. We should often pray with our spouses (and children), extemporaneously and liturgically (if it is our habit to pray liturgically). Shirley and I pray the short Compline (or Bedtime Prayers) in the St. Augustine Prayer Book nearly every night, and sometimes she joins me for morning or evening prayer when I pray it out of Augustine's. And we pray together at other times, too. I love praying with my wife, and enjoy hearing her pray.

It's Saturday, and we've worked so hard all week on the hermitage that we're just kind of laying around today. We both have hurting muscles, her much more than I. Tomorrow will be the third Sunday of Advent. We never really finish the fourth week, do we? Advent, we know, means "coming." Jesus came to be in our hearts (and does so daily and moment by moment), will come again, and we will again celebrate this year His first coming next week at Christmas, the Christ-Mass.

All thanks be to God. We wish you a blessed and wonderful Advent and Christmas season, and much joy in your life from Him Who came new as a baby and Who makes all things new.


your brother in Christ,
br. francis
Mercy House hermitage
Warr Acres/OKC

Friday night worship/Bonny Room

We normally have Eucharist on Wed. nights. When one of us has a conference or ministry obligation, we move Eucharist to Fri. nights.

Midweek Eucharist of Chapel of St. Francis is mainly from the Hippolytus liturgy. Worship was good tonight, although different--Abbot Jim turned his ankle today, so he preached the homily, consecrated and served us Eucharist sitting.

Shirley and I have worked hard to unpack and get the hermitage in order. We are both tired and sore tonight, although she more than I. I worked hard on the front room last night. The porch on the house was closed in, so I set it aside for a special purpose--it's a combination chapel/music room/library. I threw up a makeshift altar with the San Damiano cross above it and placed the Advent Wreath on the coffee table in front of the small couch. When you shut the door, it's pretty quiet in there. I've called it "The Oratory of St. Bonaventure." There's still unpacked boxes on the floor (mostly books), but it's a peaceful place to pray, read, and meditate in.

Shirley's parents, brother-in-law and nephew came up to see the hermitage today--they really liked it. We are really thankful. What a true blessing from our great God.


br. francis

OKC!

We are here! Praise God! Our wedding was wonderful. Thanks to the great brothers and sisters at Southwest Chinese Baptist in Stafford, Texas--the church that allowed us use of their great facility for our wedding. Much thanks to Pastor and Mrs. Leong, wedding coordinator Jasmine, reception coordinator Peggy (how's that French roast coffee?), and all the folks there who did such an amazing job with everything. When Shirley and I walked into the FLC for the reception, my jaw hit the floor. What a layout! Beautiful! Hats off to you all. I played my last show with Stage Dive at the reception (minus our bass player Krystal). The food was great, too.

Abbot/Bishop Jim and Sr. Clare got iced in, in OKC, so they couldn't get there. Fr. Joe and Dcn. Laura Mathy stepped in and handled the wedding, and did a great job. Thanks! Pastor Leong gave a challenging homily. The pictures are great and looking forward to seeing the DVD.

Then we honeymooned in Orlando--sick. We still had a good time and got to go to Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios. Lots of fun.

The move was grueling--'nuff said. We are unpacking boxes and trying to find everything. But Shirley, Athalea (the cockatiel) and I are very thankful to be in our new home--mercy House hermitage.

Thanks be to God!

Here in OKC? Like to have a Bible study or learn about the ancient Church? Looking for a church family to be a part of? Our church is the Chapel of St. Francis, and we're small and friendly. Email or call and we'll give you times and directions.

OKC is home now. We're glad to be here!


under the mercy,
Br. Francis