Gaudete Sunday
I saw God and I heard God and I felt God today, and it was all joy.
A few weeks ago, the kids asked during Children’s Time why there was a pink candle in the middle of all the purple ones. Observant little boogers. I tried to explain that each Sunday of Advent season as we wait for Christmas, we light one candle to represent our preparation for the Light of the world to come. The pink one is special because it represents joy.
The name of this Sunday comes from the Latin word Gaudete which means, “rejoice”. Due to the pink or rosy colors used to signify the day, rather than the typical purple or dark blue of Advent, the day has also been called Rose Sunday. “This distinctive color choice is a visual cue to the faithful that a shift toward celebration and gladness is underway.”[1]
“The history of Gaudete Sunday is deeply rooted in Christian tradition. The observance dates back to the medieval period when the church recognized the need to balance the penitential nature of Advent with moments of joy and hope. The third Sunday of Advent serves as a brief respite from the more somber aspects of the season, allowing believers to rejoice in the imminent arrival of the Christ child.”[2]
Some traditions to mark the occasion in worship in addition to the lighting of the advent wreath are intentionally joyful music, special prayers, family celebrations, and acts of kindness. Our Sunday morning included all these elements! It was such a delight to see a choir comprised of members from three community churches; they sang beautifully. The bells rang clear in our sunny sanctuary. We had incredible guest musicians play as well. I heard so many kind comments following the service about how lovely it was, how well the children did as they lit candles, represented the nativity, and collected the offering. Whenever these comments came my way, I graciously agreed but also declared that I can take very little credit, “the one Sunday a year I am not in charge!”
We also participated in a collection of toys and non-perishables for local families to receive this Christmas. These Manger Gifts, as we call them, are a large part of our day. This community is so charitable, and it is always an honor to serve as a vehicle for such generosity. After this we gathered for a delicious meal in our fellowship hall. Perhaps we should rename it the Family-ship Hall, because that is truly what it is. We enjoyed a feast as we hugged and chatted away the afternoon. A day we had been anticipating and preparing for over weeks (again, very little of which was me) finally came to fruition and it was so, so good! And now we are ten days away from the birthday of Jesus! Just ten days away from those good tidings of great joy!
In his 2014 Gaudete Sunday homily, Pope Francis said that Gaudete Sunday is known as the "Sunday of joy", and that instead of fretting about "all they still haven't" done to prepare for Christmas, people should "think of all the good things life has given you." So, while it is easy to get caught up in the hectic nature of the holiday season, as we try to make things magical for our children and special for families and friends, I hope we can take to heart what Pope Francis said and think about all the good things life has given to us. And one of those good things, to my mind, and to my eternal gratitude and joy, is you.
[1] https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/gaudete-sunday-third-advent-sunday.html
[2] https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/gaudete-sunday-third-advent-sunday.htm