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Letters from 28 November to 5 December 2004

Like all letters to the editor everywhere, these letters are the opinions of the letter writers and not Anglicans Online. We publish letters that we think will be of interest to our readers, whether we agree with them or not. If you'd like to write a letter of your own, click here.

Waiting increases joy

Thank you for your front page article on Advent. I attend a weekly ecumenical clergy meeting where we discuss the lectionary for the coming Sunday. Last week, quite naturally, the meaning and purpose of Advent arose. One of the group, from a church which has not traditionally observed liturgical seasons such as Advent or Lent, suggested that we stop trying to 'hold out' against the prevailing culture, and simply celebrate the mystery of the Nativity throughout the entire month of December. In other words, let the carols begin!

I quickly responded by pointing out that my parishioners feel no sense of deprivation by waiting until the 24th of December to celebrate Christmas, because they love the season of Advent. They've told me so! The wonderful hymns, the sense of making ready and anticipation, the reflection on what is ultimate and eternal -- all of this makes the celebration of Christmas, when it does arrive, more joyful. If Anglicans didn't have Advent, then they would, indeed, feel deprived!

The Reverend William Bippus
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Marinette, Wisconsin, USA
stpauls@cybrzn.com
29 November 2004

Just what is left behind -- or left out?

In regard to 'Left Behind' theology, I recently came across the following:

The man who chooses to consider God an avenger, presuming that in this manner he bears witness to His justice, accuses Him of being bereft of goodness. Far be it, that vengeance could ever be found in that Fountain of love and Ocean brimming with goodness! The aim of His design is the correction of men; and if it were not that, we should be stripped of the honour of our free will, perhaps He would not even heal us by reproof.

St Isaac of Syria

Sister Diana, C.T.
Convent of the Transfiguration
Cincinnati, Ohio
lucinda3d@lycos.com
5 December 2004

Earlier letters

We launched our 'Letters to AO' section on 11 May 2003. All of our letters are in our archives.