This 3rd Sunday is traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday on the Advent Calendar. Gaudete is Latin for rejoice. We light the pink candle of the Advent Wreath which corresponds to joy. It reminds me of the old Christmas carol, "Joy to the World"! We sing it and hear it every year but do we really listen to the words? Truly it wraps up the spirit and meaning of Advent in the very first verse:
Joy to the world, the Lord has come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing!
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing!
This verse heralds the arrival of the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords! That is definitely something to rejoice about. Also, that same King brings the gift of salvation and everlasting life. Revelation indicates just that. When Christ returns: "And behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work shall be."
This time of year is often fought with depression as people navigate being alone and isolated during the holidays. If we focus our minds on the true "Gift" given over 2,000 years ago, it may help change our perspective a bit. Likewise, if we focus on serving God by helping and being charitable to others, we will find joy in those privileges as well.
Phil. 4:4-5
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!"
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