Rejoice Always

Advent Day 15

Third Sunday in Advent

December 11, 2011

Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NRSV)

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Theme: Rejoice Always

Reflection:

Those of you who will be in church this morning, will have a double dose of this passage, as it is also one of the texts for the day and figures in my sermon! But maybe this time of year, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded that we are to “rejoice always.” In both the Advent season and the secular December season, we can use lots of reminders about rejoicing.

In the early church, the third Sunday in Advent was designated ‘Gaudete’ Sunday (or Joy Sunday). Advent, at this time, was marked as a very penitential season, almost like Lent. The color of the season was purple and Advent candles were purple reminding worshippers of the need for penance. On the third Sunday in Advent, the readings on this Sunday were more joy-filled and often included the text from Thessalonians we are using this morning. On this Gaudete or Joy Sunday, the one pink candle on the Advent wreath was lit, giving worshippers a break for joy in the middle of the penitential season. This tradition continues in the Roman Catholic Church today.

In the mid-20^th century, the Protestant churches changed lectionaries (the cycle of readings) and hence, no longer celebrate Gaudete Sunday. The focus of Advent also was modified to emphasize hope rather than penance (keeping Lent as the penitential season). That is why we use blue candles in the Advent wreath—blue being the color of hope. Having said this, in the middle of the Advent season, JOY is still a welcome theme.

By this time in December, I have been rushing around—with Christmas shopping, wrapping, writing cards, trying to attend festivities and keeping up with all the things that have to be done at church in Advent. Each of you, may also have a non-stop to-do list. Sometimes it is hard to remember to feel joyful in the midst of the freneticism. I have to stop, take a deep breath, and remind myself what Advent and Christmas are all about. God wants me to be joyful and hope-filled. I am anticipating the greatest gift ever given—the gift of God’s own Son—given for me and for you. I can be joy-filled while I watch and wait for Jesus to come.

Rejoice always. Ok, always may be difficult—but keep on rejoicing. If you have trouble rejoicing, try the praying part. Frequent praying will help keep the focus where it belongs and the rejoicing with flow along.

Prayer: Gracious God, fill my heart with joy at the gift of Your Son. Help me to pray always and follow the prayer with rejoicing. Amen