Source of Light

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

This is the collect (the prayer that "collects" the intentions of the people) for the First Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the church year. Advent is rich with so many levels of meaning. Remembering the birth of Jesus, this is a season of anticipation, keeping watch for the justice of God to come to its fulfillment, bringing light to a world living in darkness. We prepare for the glory of God to be born in all of us again this Christmastide.

The icon, depicting the annunciation from Luke 1.26-38, is housed at the St. Catherine's Monastery at Mount Sinai. It came to the United States as part of the Getty Museum's show Holy Image/Hallowed Ground: Icons from Sinai. Click here for wonderful history of St. Catherine's, one of the oldest operational monasteries in the world.

The Epicenter will offer reflections on this most holy season in the church year. Let us know what you think! Many blessings as you prepare in anticipation of God's glory dwelling within you!
(Icon from the collection of St. Catherine's Monastery at Mt. Sinai)