Advent and the Rain. Isaiah 4:6

 An Advent Reading about the Rain  Isaiah 4:2-6

"In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: 

When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.

 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain."

This is the First Sunday in Advent, Morning Prayer, Thursday reading from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.  Often we forget that we are not alone. In this reading, especially v. 6, I felt a deep comfort. Have you ever needed a cover for the rain? The covert or covering is a protection in Hebrew.  There shall be a "place of refuge, and for a covert for storm and from rain."

I remember marching with a group of Soldiers on a road march to let them know that the Chaplain was there. I hope it showed that I cared. I had my ruck suck on my back, and marched in my Army black boots. We went 20 miles in total if I remember. Then it began to rain. We got very wet. I thought much about needing comfort from the rain and for the march to end in a warm dry place.

I do not know if the Soldiers felt my presence, but I think they did. Too often we are out in the weather with soggy feet and wonder if anyone really cares. The LORD , here Yahweh, ( Hebrew) I am that I am , makes a place of refuge for us. When we go through disappointment and loss, we need to remember He made this place for us to go to for a refuge. Often we are tested and tempted in our lives.  We feel that we are alone, but the LORD is there. 

In Advent we have an opportunity to change our course and direction. It should involve the reading of the Exhortation before Holy Communion , " Amend your lives and be in perfect charity with all men"  pg. 86 . We are reminded to" diligently examine ourselves before we presume to eat of that bread and drink of that cup"  We are to hear these words as well, " Judge therefore yourselves brethren that ye be not judged of the Lord...; and repent truly for your sins past; have a lively and stedfast faith in Christ our Saviour"

Imagine making a recipe from your cookbook and skipping the directions?  That is what many do in Advent. This is a time and opportunity to review our thoughts, desires and actions. It is not yet a time of celebration of Christmas. 

To be totally frank, I did not know about Advent for years.  I went to the Reformed Episcopal Seminary .  There I learned about the Church Year, and the reasons for the discipline.

Where can you learn more?  There are several places to find out. Your pastor  ( priest) can be very instructive about the things that can help with your Christian growth in Christ.

Advent may consist of focusing on things that get in the way of the preparation for Christmas.  Take time to be quiet and listen to God.  Use Scripture and the lessons especially in the 1928 BCP.  

We can't jump into anything without thought and preparation.  Advent which means coming gives us a reason to reflect and renew in this season of pre-Christmas.  

The LORD is a cover for us in so many ways.  He is present to us always.  Seek His face and His kingdom in personal confession of sin and singing the delightful hymns of Advent in the 1940 Hymnal.

Advent. Morning Prayer is a good place to begin in the Prayer Book as well.  Here are opening sentences of Scripture to be read in Advent.

Repent ye, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. St. Matt. iii. 2.

Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah xl. 3.