MAC KIRK

Romans 13:11 “ You know what time it is” In an interesting phrase we are reminded of time and the presence of God in our lives. Literally, “ And also this knowing the time” Did you ever have anyone ask you, “ what time is it?” Usually I think, “ daytime” , but then I politely tell them the time. I wonder how they can not know the time. They do not have a watch or a phone to look at with the time . Time as my theology professor used to say is the measure of the motion of created objects. In God , there is no time. He is eternally now and present , past and future. One of the earliest Christians , ST Augustine ( who died in 430 AD) heard parts of this passage, specifically vs. 14 “ Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof.” As he read, he experienced this as God speaking directly to him, convicting him of his past sins, and offering him forgiveness; calling him to amend his life, and promising him the grace and power to do

Protection, Patience & Endurance- Luke 21:18-19 “…not a hair of your head shall be lost. In your patience possess your souls.” In the next few weeks (Nov 28)we will begin a new Church year in the Season of Advent. Advent is a wonderful time in the Christian year for it gives us time to reflect and pause before we enter into the Festival of Christmas. Advent is not as penitential as Lent ( the 40 days before Easter). Even the Third Sunday of Advent is (Gaudete –Joy) represented by a rose candle, not a purple one. We drop singing the Gloria in Advent until Christmas. Advent means coming and so we must prepare ourselves for a worthy and fruitful celebration to come. The texts I have been reading this week are also about the Second Coming of Jesus as was our O.T. Malachi 3 & 4, “ For behold the day is coming, Burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble…” “ But to you who fear my Name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with heali