Ask Greg: Happy New Year!

by Greg SingletonFirst, an apology to the three submitters of questions who are still waiting for a response. I will get back to you during Advent—just around the corner. Several people responded to last week’s discussion of worship, and a common theme was some doubt about the utility of the seasons of the Church Year. Since our New Year begins on December 1, I thought it timely to respond now.I could play the “tradition” card. The seasons we observe (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost) have been firmly in place since at least the fourth century. But that sounds a bit too much like “We’ve always done it that way.”I could point out that the Church Year is our annual journey through the Christ-Story. That is certainly better than simply invoking “tradition,” but it’s not completely convincing.For me, the most compelling reason to continue organizing our worship around the progression of the Church Year is being reminded of the multiple ways in which God relates to us. Thus we can more fully experience the great love poured over us through Jesus Christ.Fifteen years ago I prepared the following prayers for a congregation about to enter into a year-long discernment of their future as people of God. I used the structure of the Church Year to arrange the petitions for God’s guidance. I hope this might be useful as a thematic summary of the year before us. Hopefully it will also help to explain the continuing relevance of these ancient seasons:IMMANUEL, GOD WITH US, we are your Advent people yearning for your presence among us, desperately in need of your saving Word. We turn to you for deliverance from bondage to things, systems, obsessions, addictions and illusions.Lord, in your mercy. . .IMMANUEL, GOD WITH US, we are your Christmas people proclaiming the Word made flesh. You entered into history with humility and grace, calling us to follow that path and turn from arrogant and selfish pursuits. Grant that we may walk with you. Lord, in your mercy. . .IMMANUEL, GOD WITH US, we are your Epiphany people basking in the light you have brought to this world. Grant that we may manifest you in our love of neighbor, kindness to strangers, and generosity to those in need. Lord, in your mercy. . .IMMANUEL, GOD WITH US, We are your Lenten people who, with fear and trembling, follow you into the valley of the shadow of death. We know that your rod and staff will guide and comfort us, but our attachment to this world of avarice and self-seeking is strong. The call to detachment and service is hard. Grant that we may find a greater strength in you. Lord, in your mercy. . .IMMANUEL, GOD WITH US, we are your Easter people rejoicing as you triumph over sin and death. Through baptism you have taken us into your grave and raised us into eternal life in your New Creation. Grant that our lives may be centered in your resurrection and our redemption. Lord, in your mercy. . .IMMANUEL, GOD WITH US, we are your Pentecost people infused with the Holy Spirit to continue your ministry on earth. Grant that we may continuously proclaim your incarnation, manifest you in ministry to the world, follow you even into the darkness of life, hail your resurrection, and give witness to the power of your Holy Spirit in all that we do and say. Lord, in your mercy. . .Our Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier, you are God of all seasons. As we travel with you through the Christ Story may we proclaim our risen Lord to all and see him in the faces of those in need. Instruct and inspire us that we will diminish so that He may increase. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.Peace,Greg SingletonTo talk further about this or any other related interests write to roc1940@gmail.com or call 773-294-1194. To ask a question which will be answered in this space, write to roc1940@gmail.com. Please indicate whether or not you prefer for your question to be posted anonymously.