HEAD OVERSEER’S MESSAGE: January 27, 2021
HEAD OVERSEER’S MESSAGE
Today, I would like to focus briefly on the Second Advent Vigil that begins this Friday, January 29th. During this reflective time of year, it has been my lifelong habit to re-read the book, Jamil: Child of Light, especially the last three chapters (25-27): “The Child Returns to the Worlds of Light,” “At the Sepulcher,” and “The Sun of Righteousness Proclaimed,” which describe the events that took place 59 years ago.
We, here at the Community Center, will begin the eight-day sunrise vigil with an evening remembrance service in the Chapel of the Holy Child on Friday the 29th. Sunrise Divine Service will be held each morning at the Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary from Saturday, January 30th through Saturday, February 6th, weather permitting. (We are expecting a series of winter storms in these coming days.)
Our January 29th remembrance service includes readings from the book, Jamil: Child of Light, as well as beautiful musical compositions by the late Reverend Canon Dr. Gary Buchanan. I am including for you a version of two of the songs performed by the children of The Community in 1983. The main singer is the late Reverend Dr. Tyrus Peace, a great benefactor of our Community. The two songs, “God’s Holy Light” and “Say Unto Them” are from The Community’s “Cantata.”
(click the above names to hear or download)
As you know, on that night at midnight (January 29/30) is when The Child, Jamil, passed in 1962. For those of you not able to be with us for the remembrance service in the Chapel dedicated to him, I will share with you a prior of mine which I have observed every year since I was about ten years old. It is very simple. It certainly is not mandatory, but if you like, you may do it somewhere in your home, especially at your Cosolargy Shrine, if you have erected one.
After your sunset reflections, light a candle and some incense and place them at a special place of your choosing with some fresh flowers. If you have a picture of Jamil, you may want to place them in front of his image. Then read the Jamil book. If you do not have time to read the whole text, I encourage you to read at least the last three chapters. (Of course, you may read the entire text at your leisure at any time.) The next morning, observe the sunrise keeping Jamil in mind. If you can, observe the sunrise every morning, especially on February 2nd, 4th and 6th.
This is a small act that will remind you, as a Jamilian and a member of his Order, of his life on Earth. It is a small gesture of honor and respect, not an act of worship. You may also chant his name J-A-M-I-L, or J-A-A-A-M-I-I-I-L, slowly and softly either out loud or inwardly.
As did Christ Jesus, Jamil teaches us that universal love is the first requirement of the peacemaker. In order to love in this way, the peacemaker must follow the Way of Light. By so doing, he or she partakes of great spiritual blessings and benefits that are bestowed and extended by God through the Sun of Righteousness and its manifold aspects. If we reflect love and peace on the human level, then we can begin reflecting love and peace on the divine level. By so doing, we benefit by that loving as well as the reciprocation of that love; for indeed love is the food of the Soul that enables us to live the life of righteousness and goodness. The righteous and good are wise in the Way of God.
I hope you will join me and your Brothers and Sisters of Light in the Sun at this, the most important time in the liturgical calendar of the Second Advent Church Community. As always, I send you every blessing.
Again, if I may be of any personal service to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Very truly yours in Light+,
Gene






