In the early life of Church the connection was made between the Nativity, or Jesus’ birth and entrance into the world, and His baptism. The very reason for Jesus' entrance into the world was to reunite us to God. And after entering the world in silence and great humility on Christmas Day, we see even more clearly who Jesus is in the Epiphany, whereby the world (signified by the magi) come back to God in their visitation of Jesus (God incarnate). Yet, it is in the baptism of Jesus as the heavens are opened and God the Father proclaims Jesus’ divinity from heaven that His ministry becomes even clearer (see Luke 3:21-23). Maximus of Turin, one of the Church Fathers, so marvelously noted this connection long ago,

January 6 marks the beginning of Epiphany, and the close of the Christmas season. As the twelfth night of Christmas gives way to the Epiphany, or revelation of Jesus Christ, we move from celebrating the Incarnation (Jesus’ coming into the world) to celebrating his manifestation to all peoples. Isaiah reminds us that Israel was always intended to be a light unto the nations (Is. 49:6). Through them, God’s salvation would extend to everyone. And it is upon the arrival of the three Magi, or Wise Men, symbolic of the other nations, to see Jesus, symbolic of Israel, that we see this promise fulfilled. Additionally, when they came to see Jesus they were transformed. And we are told that they left to tell others what they had seen and heard. So, this season holds a twofold purpose for us as Christians. First, it is a yearly reminder that Jesus came to fulfill God’s purposes to save all nations and people. Secondly, we, who have been transformed by Jesus, are called to make Him known as well. Toward that end, this season is also a particularly appropriate time for individual house blessings. Often our homes serve as the entryway to our church. Even in these odd days our homes are the places where we work, fellowship and engage in life together. At our Epiphany Mass on January 6 at 6:30 pm we will bless chalk and have a short order of service so you can mark and bless your home as well. We will also have a King Cake to mark the occasion too! Don’t miss out on this beautiful custom and opportunity to begin the new year by inviting Christ Jesus into your home anew. As we prepare for this season, let me leave you with these poetic and provocative works from Lancelot Andrews who noted of this season and the Magi - They came a long journey, and they came an uneasy journey; they came a dangerous journey and they came now, at the worst season of the year. They stayed not their coming till the opening of the year, till they might have better weather and way, and have longer days and so more seasonable and fit to travel in. So desirous were they to come with the first, and to be there as soon as they possibly might; broke through all these difficulties, and behold, come they did. And we, what excuse shall we have if we come not? If so short and easy a way we come not, as from our chambers hither? And these wise men were never a whit less wise for so coming; nay, to come to Christ is one of the wisest parts that ever these wise men did. And if they and we be wise in one Spirit, we will follow the same star, tread the same way, and so come at last wither they are happily gone before us. The final blessing this week is a proclamation over you toward that end as the celebrant will pray, May Christ, the Son of God, be manifest in you, that your lives may be a light to the world. I hope and pray this may be so in your life and in mine! Blessings, Andrew Epiphany Painting: Adorazione dei Magi (Adoration of the Magi) by Artemisia Gentileschi, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Merry Christmas to you all! It is appropriate to spend some time in the coming days reflecting upon the centrality of the Incarnation and the Christmas season and to celebrate the monumental moment of our Lord stepping into creation to redeem it. It is hard to fathom God entering creation as a baby if we truly dwell upon it. The magnitude of Jesus leaving his rightful place in glory to enter the world in such humility is incredible. Saint Augustine of Hippo so poetically captures the importance of it, “Man’s maker was made man that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother’s breast; that the Bread might hunger, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired on its journey; that Truth might be accused of false witnesses, the Teacher be beaten with whips, the Foundation be suspended on wood; that Strength might grow weak; that the Healer might be wounded; that Life might die.” Jesus stepping into the world is the greatest act of love. And each moment thereafter His love was revealed time and time again with each teaching, healing, and ultimately in His death upon the cross. Saint Athanasius in writing on this very topic put it this way, “This He did out of sheer love for us, so that in His death all might die, and the law of death thereby be abolished because, when He had fulfilled in His body that for which it was appointed, it was thereafter voided of its power for men. This He did that He might turn again to incorruption men who had turned back to corruption, and make them alive through death by the appropriation of His body and by the grace of His resurrection. Thus He would make death to disappear from them as utterly as straw from fire.” He did so that you and I may no longer be under the bondage of sin, which alienates us from both God and one another. Instead, we may find the fullness of life here and now in restored relationship with Him as we turn to Him finding forgiveness, healing, and peace. Often, in the midst of the busyness of these days we don’t soak in the full weight of this season. For in it is the foundation of our faith. The birth of Jesus sets into motion God’s plan of redemption and restoration for all of creation, giving our lives hope and purpose. In the days to come, as we reflect upon the year past and look with anticipation to the year ahead, may we hold our Hope ever before us. Spend time reading John 1 and reflecting upon it. Or, as I am I trying to do in these days, read through some of the saints’ reflections upon this season. One you may want to explore is Saint Athanasius’ treatise "On the Incarnation of the Word" which can be found here. I pray that with fresh eyes and open hearts, we may continue to see, turn, and embrace the hope and love God lavished upon us at Christmas. Faithfully, Andrew

Dear Friends in Christ Jesus, Archbishop Ben Kwashi has recently retired from many of his roles within Anglicanism, but has not retired from active ministry. He moved out of the diocesan quarters where he lived as the Bishop of Jos and has moved to Zambiri some distance away. In the past few years as they considered his retirement, they purchased property there with the plan to house over 400 orphans that Archbishop Ben and Gloria have under their care. Prior to moving to Zambiri, the Kwashis developed a school and housed the orphans in the official Bishop’s compound, while he served as Bishop to the people of Jos, and led GAFCON as General Secretary. In this new season, they have dedicated their own resources to provide a new school building, proper housing, and needed care for these children⎯who grow in number almost daily. The Kwashis’ plan to continue to disciple, house, feed and educate some 450 orphans comes with many operational costs estimated at $72,000 per year, not including the construction costs. This figure does not represent funds for the Kwashis’ own living expenses. The operating budget roughly equates to an annual cost of $160.00 per child to be housed, clothed, fed and educated⎯a small sum to invest in the next generation! I have been blessed as one in whom the Kwashi’s have invested and have discipled over the years. At a time when I was discerning my call, they “took me into their home” as well, offering godly counsel and nurturing love. They have continued to pray for and counsel me over the years⎯I represent the second generation that Archbishop Ben and Gloria have raised up. I know many of you have your own stories from conferences and their visits to your dioceses and parishes, as they brought the Gospel and built up the Kingdom wherever they went. No matter how big the task or venue, they always made time to invest in our lives, carving out moments for meals and conversations. They are doing so again with these orphans, investing in a third generation⎯not merely with food, clothing and housing, but with the Gospel. Who knows what church leaders will emerge in the years to come from the godly deposits they are making in these young people! While they have not asked for help, I am asking for your prayers and partnership for this vital work. Would you prayerfully consider assisting in some way? Perhaps it is a line item in your parish budget to sponsor a number of their children annually; or a one-time gift as you honor their Gospel impact; or perhaps a presentation about this before donors or other colleagues. If you feel led to give, you may do so by sending a check made out to Saint Barnabas Anglican Church, memo Kwashi Zambiri Fund (mailed to 8425 Parkwood Hill Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76137), online at https://secure.myvanco.com/YPSV/campaign/C-157Q7 , or via the QR code below. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I truly appreciate your time and consideration. Faithfully, Andrew+ Fr. Andrew Petta Rector of Saint Barnabas Anglican Church

In the coming three weeks we will turn to the Old Testament and the book 1 Chronicles as we focus upon our call to be stewards (Nov 17, 24, Dec 1). Our opportunity to respond on Commitment Sunday, fittingly falls on the first Sunday of new church year on Sunday, December 1. It comes at a time of year when we are reminded of what we are thankful for in our culture and the reminder in our church calendar of preparing for Jesus’ return in Advent. In this season of thanksgiving, my heart is full of gratitude for each of you. The ministry, the lives impacted, and seeds sown this year have come through your giving. Each time we open the doors of the church, investments are made for ministry therein or that flows forth from it. Thank you! I hope you will be encouraged over the next three weeks through stories you hear toward that end from various parishioners. You have had a direct impact, because of your giving. I also believe that the community that we so dearly love at Saint Barnabas is poised to be a city on a hill for those around us. As we look to the building of the temple in 1 Chronicles, we are invited to build a community here that enables you to be build up as living stones, and for others to find genuine community in fellowship with God and each of us. God has been so faithful to Saint Barnabas, and His love stands central to this hospitable church. As we look at where we’ve been, God is laying upon my heart ways we might help others discover what we’ve found here. I’d invite you to begin to recount those blessings and hold them in prayer in the weeks ahead. I’d also invite you to begin earnestly asking the Lord where He may lead you to partner in the year to come. My only expectation is that you seek Him in this matter, and then heed His voice on December 1. Faithfully,  Fr. Andrew Petta Rector of Saint Barnabas Anglican Church

Who doesn’t love to celebrate?! We are nearing a time of year when celebrations stand central to our culture. We see lawn decor, seasonal dishes, and monthly events that carry us into a new year. In the Petta household, we have a birthday in the mix, which has become a chief celebration! Each Sunday as part of the Prayers of the People, we invite those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries to come forward to mark the moment and ask for God’s grace in the year ahead. I’d like to suggest two more that may be worth marking in your life as well, baptism and confirmation dates. These dates mark entrance into the Household of Faith in the case of baptism, and a desire to embrace more fully a life in Christ in confirmation. Each are worth noting! If you were baptized or confirmed here, we have a record of that day. We’d be happy to share it with you if needed. A great project is to do a bit of research if one or both predates your time with us, and make a note of it in your calendar. We’d love to pray and celebrate these occasions with you. There are some great customs to do so as well. Did you know that it is customary to light one’s baptismal candle on that date annually, and perhaps place it in a cake or some treat to celebrate? On your confirmation day, or around it, consider making a retreat, taking on a new study or finding a way to grow further. Prayers, found on page 668 of the Book of Common Prayer, such as #71-75, could likewise be used as a rededication of your commitment. Amidst all we can celebrate, consider celebrating the major moments in your life in Christ. Find ways to remain oriented upon Him, and perhaps draw others into the celebration to consider the same! Our lives are called to be a witness that points others to Jesus, and what better way than to do so than in celebration. After all, who doesn’t love cake! Blessings, Andrew

Celebrating Major Feast Days Beginning in August, we will shift from having midweek Mass every Wednesday to celebrating major feast days on their particular date. These dates are found on pages 688 and following in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer. These feast days fall into two major categories, Principal Feasts and Holy Days (also known as Red Letter Days). The Principal Feast Days include some Sundays (such as Easter, the Day of Pentecost, and Trinity Sunday) as well as some major dates that do not always fall on a Sunday such as the Ascension (40 days after Easter) or the Epiphany (always on January 6 after the 12 days of Christmas). At times these get ‘transferred’ to a Sunday, but we can miss the importance of celebrating them on the day. We mark major secular moments like July 4 or Presidents Day and in the Christian Calendar it is important to observe dates that form us as believers. Celebrating the Epiphany, for instance, reminds us of our call to go out and be a light to the nations, just as when the nations came to Jesus in the arrival of the Magi on that day. These assist us to keep our gaze upon Jesus. Additionally, we celebrate Holy Days, which are also known as Red Letter Days throughout the year. These include some important moments in Jesus’ life, like the receiving of his name, eight days after his birth, according to the law, which we celebrate on January 1. Others include people such as the apostles or the reminder of the invisible realm, as on Saint Michael and All Angels. Each are found at the back of the Book of Common Prayer in the Calendar, and these primary Holy Days were traditionally written in red where other saints days and observances were written in black. Prior prayer books called these “days of obligation” or dates that were set apart for the faithful to observe. Amidst all that can vie for our obligation and attention these days, it is edifying to take the time to celebrate, set apart the evening or morning to observe them, reflect, and reorient on these dates. We are labeling these dates Feast and Fellowship so that we will celebrate the date with a said Communion service that lasts 30-40 minutes with a homily focused upon the significance of that day. Then, we will transition into fellowship around some form of food to allow us to connect in community. Be on the lookout for these communications and as a general rule, if the day falls on a weekday we will gather at 6:30 pm and if on a Saturday we will gather at 9 am. I hope it gives us times of fellowship with a purpose as we gather around the great moments and exemplars in Christendom to spur us on in our earthly pilgrimage. Save the upcoming dates this fall: August 6 - Transfiguration August 15 - The Virgin Mary - Mother of our Lord August 24 - St. Bartholomew September 14 - Holy Cross Day September 21 - St. Matthew September 28 - St. Michael and All Angels (transferred) - Badge Blessing October 18 - St. Luke October 23 - St. James October 28 - St Simon and Jude November 1 - All Saints Day November 30 - St. Andrew December 11- Our Lady of Guadalupe December 21 - St. Thomas December 25 - Christmas Day January 1 - Circumcision of our Lord and Holy Name of our Lord Jesus Christ Blessings, Andrew Image: A diptych, with the representations of ten major Christian liturgical feast days. Probably used as a portable altarpiece. Greek-Orthodox or Armenian. Image credit: Dosseman, CC BY-SA 4.0 www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On the heels of Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate all Persons of the Godhead on Trinity Sunday. Although the celebration of Trinity Sunday dates back to the twelfth century in Anglicanism, its origins are much earlier. In the fourth century, a priest named Arius believed that Jesus was a created being, thus denying His divinity. His beliefs subsequently denied the Trinity as well. Unfortunately, he led many astray with this heresy, resulting in the persecution of orthodox Christians. However, a faithful Bishop, Athanasius, stood as Arius' chief opponent. He championed the orthodox view of Jesus and the distinct nature of the Persons of the Trinity. Doing so resulted in his exile. However, even from afar, he remained a faithful pastor, bishop, and theologian. It took time, but Truth prevailed in the Council of Nicaea, as Constantine gathered all parties to address the divisive issue. From that Council we received the Nicene Creed, which we say weekly, affirming both each Person of the Trinity and their role in salvation history. In the centuries to follow, prayers, hymns, and Christian liturgies developed emphasizing the Trinity. Eventually, in the tenth and eleventh centuries, the Sunday after Pentecost became a universally observed time to celebrate the Trinity in the Divine Offices. In England, however, it became a principle feast day through the petition of Thomas Beckett. He was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162 AD on the day. Later, in the thirteen century, it became a universally established feast day in the church calendar. On Trinity Sunday we recite the creed attributed to Athanansius instead of the Nicene Creed. Although it highlights the same tenants found in the Nicene Creed, it likewise serves as an important reminder of our history. In spite of various trials that assault the Faith, the Truth always prevails in the mystery, that we as Christians proclaim of the Trinity. You may find the text here . Blessings, Andrew

Today marks the final event in Jesus' life on earth, when He ascended back to the right hand of the Father in heaven. It is, however, far more than just an event. For Jesus' ascension denotes completion, fulfillment, and victory. As He returned to His rightful place in glory, He brought our humanity before the throne of grace. As with all of His life and ministry, even this final moment is about us. Gregory of Nyssa noted, "He who for our sake became like us in order to make us his brothers and sisters, now presents to his true Father his own humanity in order to draw all his brothers and sisters up after him." The ascension of our Lord not only is a mark of completion, but also a preparation. He goes before us to prepare a place for us and stands as our advocate before the Father (John 14:3 ; 1 John 2:1). The story is far from over. Today marks the turning of a chapter, and the celebration of what is to come. For as we recall Jesus' rising back into heaven, we are reminded that we, who place our faith and trust in Him, will likewise be raised to glory.  As we anticipate this Final Day, we know that we are not just biding our time. For Jesus' ascension was far from a reminder of what awaits believers on the day of Judgment. It likewise meant that the Holy Spirit could descend upon all humanity (Joel 2:28). Cyril of Alexandria explained, "It was most fitting that the sending of the Spirit and his descent upon us should take place after the departure of Christ our Savior. As long as Christ was with them in the flesh, it must have seemed to believers that they possessed every blessing in him; but when the time came for him to ascend to his Heavenly Father, it was necessary for him to be united through his Spirit to those who worshipped him, and to dwell in our hearts through faith." Ten days after His ascension, the Holy Spirit descended to lead us into all truth, guide us into holiness of life, and continue God's redeeming work upon earth. As the Spirit of God lives in us, we are not only transformed daily into the likeness of Christ through our submission to Him, but also the world around is transformed through us. As we daily surrender and obey God, He is able to work more fully through you and me to restore all of creation. Thus, our role is not merely one of preparation for that Final Day, but active participation for it. Today, as we celebrate Christ's ascent, we are reminded of these things. We give thanks for what Jesus accomplished for us, as we continue to surrender and serve Him until we see Him face to face. Blessings, Andrew