As we
light the 3rd candle in the Advent Wreath our anticipation and
expectation of the birth of Jesus accelerates. However, there is a notable
change. This week, instead of a purple candle of repentance or a blue candle of
hope, some traditions use a rose colored (or pink) candle and perhaps rose
vestments and altar hangings. Why change color in the middle of the season?
Advent has traditionally been a penitential
season of waiting, as is Lent, with somber readings and admonishments to fast
and pray to be ready and worthy for Christ's coming. Yet, historically, the
Latin name for this Sunday is Gaudete (gow-day-tay), which translates as
“REJOICE!” It comes from an Introit (opening) of the Liturgy. We
hear the Joy, the Rejoicing, the Hope, and the excitement in the readings. We'll
be ransomed from sorrow and sadness, lifted up, healed, beloved, and blessed.
When our God in Christ comes, we will walk on the Holy Way, safe from
lions and ravenous beasts.
Within the
aspects of a strictly penitential season, all the candles, hangings, and
vestments previously were Lenten purple. More recently, vestments have become
blue to lighten our walk while still reminding us that we are in a season of prayer
and penitence ~ a time for some spiritual housecleaning. But on this Sunday,
the rose color was and is a symbol of a respite in the midst of the serious.
With the
Revised Common Lectionary and newer scholarship, there has been more of an
emphasis placed on remembering the Joy that is to come. All of
this day’s readings are filled with hope and joy ~ which, of course, is not to
say that we should not also be prayerful and repentant as we wait.
So let
us, in the midst of the holiday flurry of gift selections,
wrappings, food shopping and preparations, regularly stop to breathe, to pray, and
to experience JOY for the coming Holy-Day of the Nativity.
May our souls proclaim the greatness
of the Lord as our spirits rejoice with Mary, even as James reminds us that troubling
times are part of every life and we are to be patient…and do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be
judged. In Matthew’s Gospel
passage, Jesus is clear that while no human had risen greater than John the
Baptist, the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Yet with the gift of the coming ~and always present~ Lord Christ,
our souls may smile in happy times and rest easier in the trying times as we move
forward each day, until our time to journey on the Heavenly Holy Way, with
singing and
everlasting joy upon our heads.
LET
US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY
Leader: ~ LORD of the
Holy Way, grant us strength of heart and prayerful patience as we discover
that the voice in the wilderness is our own. Keep us without fear as we await
the everlasting joy of Christ’s coming.
O God our Savior
RESPONSE:
Look with favor upon us
~
LORD of the Holy Way, as You scatter the proud in their conceit, guide the
hearts of all who govern on this Earth, in this Nation, and in our Community,
that they may rule with equity, mercy, and justice. We pray especially
for: add your own petitions
O God our Savior
Look with favor upon us
~
LORD of the Holy Way, lift up all who suffer with chronic illness,
addiction, or severe life circumstance, and energize all who give them care. We
now join our voices to pray aloud for those in need… add your own
petitions
O God our Savior
Look with favor upon us
~
LORD of the Holy Way, may the sorrow and sighs flee away from those
who mourn, as Heaven is ablaze in joy and gladness for the arrival of all we
hold so dear. We pray especially for… add your own petitions
O God our Savior
Look with favor upon us
~
LORD of the Holy Way, we pause in this moment to offer
You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials,
aloud or silently… add your own petitions
O God our Savior
Look with favor upon us
~
LORD of the Holy Way, refresh and invigorate those who endeavor in Your
Church to prepare us for the coming of Christ through Your Word and Sacraments.
We pray especially for: add your own petitions
O God our Savior
Look
with favor upon us
The
Celebrant adds: God
of Glory and Majesty, as we await the Messiah who ransoms us from sin and
death, fill us with continuing rejoicing that our souls may also magnify and
proclaim the greatness of Your love. We ask through Jesus, our Redeemer Christ,
and the Holy Spirit of Truth, who together with You are One God, forever and
ever. Amen.
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