Third Week of Advent

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee Oh Israel!

     

This past Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday in numerous liturgical churches.  Gaudete is Latin for Rejoice.  In the Advent season Gaudete Sunday is when we begin to turn from reflection and towards celebration.  This week we light the rose candle of Joy. Rose is the liturgical color for joy. Also known as The Shepard's Candle, we remember the Angels came to them saying "Fear not! for I bring good news of great joy which will be for all people!' (Luke 2:10)

 

Jesus' birth brings salvation and throughout the Christmas story there are bursts of joyful proclamation!  Even John leaped for joy in his mother's womb when Mary came to visit Elizabeth. (Luke 1:39-45). Joy and salvation go hand in hand.  There is no true joy without salvation. 

The world often thinks of joy as just happiness and expectation.  We all know how fleeting that kind of joy can be.  True joy goes much deeper.  Like Peace, it is deep rooted and grounded in our very being and trust in the Savior. We can still know true joy even in the midst of sorrow or loss. "The joy of the Lord is my strength."

 

 Heavenly Father, in the midst of the excitement of family gatherings, the lights and the music of Christmas, even the giving to others in need, may we remember that true joy comes from the Savior, Emmanuel come down from his throne to dwell in the hearts all who seek him. May we with courage and conviction be willing to loudly proclaim that salvation message to the world.  Amen.

 

With Joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation           (Isaiah 12:3)

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 The first known publishing of this ancient song is around 1582 in the Piae Cantionese, a collection of sacred music from Finland/Sweden.

Gaudete, Gaudete! Christus et natus Ex maria virgine, Gaudete!	Rejoice, Rejoice! Christ is born Of the virgin Mary, Rejoice!
Tempus ad est gratiae, Hoc quod optabamus; Carmina laetitiae, Devote redamus.	The hour of grace Which we seek is here We offer with devotion Our songs of joy
Deus homo factus est, Natura mirante; Mundus renovatus est A Christo regnante.	God is made man,  a thing of wonder, The world is renewed By Christ who is King.
Ezechiellis porta Clausa pertransitur; Unde lux est orta Salus invenitur.	The closed gate of Ezechiel Has been passed through; From where the light rises Salvation is found.
Ergo nostra cantio, Psallat iam in lustro; Benedicat Domino: Salus Regi nostro.	Therefore let our assembly now sing, Sing the Psalms to purify us; Let it praise the Lord: Greetings to our King.

 Adieu!