Today is the third Sunday in Advent. It is Gaudete Sunday, and you’ll notice the pink, technically rose, candle is lit in the Advent Wreath. Gaudete is the Latin word for Rejoice, which you may remember from the Introit: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:4-5) We are passing the midway point of Advent and approaching the final turn before the Nativity of Our Lord. Advent is a penitential season, which is part of the reason we use purple paraments. But today, in the midst of this season, we are reminded always to rejoice.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” These words were penned by Paul. He writes them while a prisoner. Paul has encountered the risen and ascended Christ sitting on his throne. He is a sinner. He is suffering for doing good. Yet he rejoices in hs Lord, for he had been forgiven and redeemed of hissins on account of Jesus.
Advent invites us to prepare for the coming of our Lord. Not only in his incarnation but in his Second Coming on the Last Day. We do well to think about what we do, what our hobbies are, what our vices may be, and then evaluate any changes we should make.
Advent is a good time to exercise discretion and perhaps bring into our life some exercise of piety or even fasting. It is, indeed, and penitential season. But there is also reason to rejoice. Your Lord, born in a manger, also hangs on a tree. He lives and dies for you. He forgives and redeems you. He washes away your iniquity. He keeps you in his Word and feeds your soul. This is a reason to rejoice!
Rev. Brent Keller
Peace Lutheran Church
Alcester, SD
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