Christmas at St Mark's was particularly lovely this year-- especially for the candlelit night services, Christmas and New Year's Eves, the church glowed golden.
But Christmas isn't over yet-- it officially ends on the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, Candlemas, February 2, forty days after December 25. We bless and light the candles once again as we sing Simeon's Song, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy will. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation," with its refrain, "A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Thus Christians throughout the world say farewell to another Gracious Time.
The Gracious Time now will continue at St Mark's, though, because we're introducing a regular monthly healing service here. I've been a member and chaplain in the Order of St Luke since I helped found the Hartford, Connecticut, Chapter in the 1990's.
The Hartford Chapter of the Order was greeted at first with not insignificant skepticism. Some of our Christian colleagues outright denied the Biblical accounts of Jesus' healings, others claimed that Holy Spirit removed the healing charism after the time of the apostles and the firm establishment of the Church. We founders just asked the skeptics to come and see, and that while Jesus does not always choose to cure, He always heals. The gift of the abiding presence of Holy Spirit assures us.
St Mark's is offering its healing services to the whole community. The services are simple, fervent but modest. They are a reminder that we all float on the gracious breath of God, our creator, redeemer and sustainer, and that in Him, all will be well, whether here or in heaven.
But Christmas isn't over yet-- it officially ends on the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, Candlemas, February 2, forty days after December 25. We bless and light the candles once again as we sing Simeon's Song, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy will. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation," with its refrain, "A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Thus Christians throughout the world say farewell to another Gracious Time.
The Gracious Time now will continue at St Mark's, though, because we're introducing a regular monthly healing service here. I've been a member and chaplain in the Order of St Luke since I helped found the Hartford, Connecticut, Chapter in the 1990's.
The Hartford Chapter of the Order was greeted at first with not insignificant skepticism. Some of our Christian colleagues outright denied the Biblical accounts of Jesus' healings, others claimed that Holy Spirit removed the healing charism after the time of the apostles and the firm establishment of the Church. We founders just asked the skeptics to come and see, and that while Jesus does not always choose to cure, He always heals. The gift of the abiding presence of Holy Spirit assures us.
St Mark's is offering its healing services to the whole community. The services are simple, fervent but modest. They are a reminder that we all float on the gracious breath of God, our creator, redeemer and sustainer, and that in Him, all will be well, whether here or in heaven.
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