Archive for November, 2008

Back in the day.

(I love it when people start stories with that phrase.  Back in the day.  It sounds folksy, yet demonstrates the history attached.  It wasn’t too long ago — say, within the last 70 years or so — but long enough to go that it was in the day.  There’s a charm to the stories that follow.)

Anyway, back in the day, Christians of certain traditions observed the Nativity Fast.  During the season of Advent, up until Christmas, the faithful would abstain from certain foods and drink as a method of spiritual discipline.  By their participation, they were exercising self-control, rebuilding in themselves the necessary mind to witness to Christ’s salvific act for the world.

The tradition had been handed down through the ages, from the earliest, ancient Christians, and the traditions of some Jews before them.  But then Vatican II came and screwed everything up.

For every good thing that came from Vatican II, and there were plenty, there were a couple of sacrifices that had to be made as well.

This year, I have prayerfully decided I am going to participate in the Nativity Fast during the Advent season.  I know one isn’t “supposed” to talk about such things, but I’m going to anyway.  For starters because I’ve never done this and want to share it with others, and secondly because I think its an excellent, external accountability tool.

I created an outline of my fasting covenant, drawing upon resources from the Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches, the Lutheran World Federation and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches.  Here it is:

Daniel Noel Ross-Jones, child of God and baptized in the Three Persons, does hereby commit himself to participation in the spiritual act of the Great Nativity Fast for the Advent season of 2008.  By joining together with the ancient Christians and descendants of Abraham in all times and places, in greater service and commitment to God and all creation, agrees to the stipulations following:

I. Fasting Dates: The Nativity Fast will follow the traditional Protestant calendar, beginning on November 30, 2008 AD, the first Sunday of Advent. It will conclude on December 25, 2008 AD, the birth of Jesus Christ.

II: Fasting Regulations: The fast will include restriction of all meats and meat products. On Fridays, the fast will further include the restriction of all eggs, dairy, and oils. A daylight fast from all foods will exist from sunrise to sunset daily. Further, abstinence from alcohol, anger, greed, and covetousness will be expected.

Other than as required by prescription, all drugs and supplements will also be restricted, including caffeine, energy supplements, etc. Only water, teas, dairy drinks and natural juices (unless otherwise restricted) will be consumed.

A full fast will be in place on Sunday mornings prior to worship, and on the festival days during the Advent season: Great Martyr Barbara (Dec. 4), St. Nicholas (Dec. 6), St. Spiridon and St. Herman (Dec. 12), St. Ignatius (Dec. 20) and Christmas Eve (Dec. 24).

Upon beginning the day’s fast, the daily office shall be recited.

The breaking of fast shall occur following worship on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.

Should fast intentionally or unintentionally be broken, it shall be appropriate to pray with thanksgiving for God’s grace, strength for self-control, and to make special alms appropriate to the mistake to a worthy cause.

III. Commitment to God: At minimum, 30 minutes each day shall be spent in personal, meditative devotion to God.

IV. Commitment to Others: Each week, a special contribution shall be given to a church or argency dedicated to serving the poor and oppressed in society. This shall be above and beyond that given to Plymouth United Church of Christ.

V. Commitment to Self: Regular journaling/blogging and spiritual reflection shall be an integral and important growth element of this sacred journey.

So there you have it.  I’m preparing by cutting back on the extra foods I eat, and trying to load up on fruits and veggies now to adjust my system.  (I’m going shopping this weekend when I’m up in Wisconsin.)  I’ll select some reflections to make public on here as I’m going along.  I’m excited to see what growth comes of this process.