Gaudete Sunday.
Joy.
The third Sunday in Advent is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete simply means ‘rejoice’.
It’s taken from the latin introit for the day’s Mass:
‘Gaudete in Domino semper’
Or in English:
‘Rejoice in the Lord always’
And so today we look at what we have to rejoice about. We have spent the last two weeks examining ourselves ahead of the coming of Jesus Christ.
We have received difficult news about COVID restrictions. We have peered into the dark ahead of the coming of The Light – so today – we lift our heads and remind ourselves that the coming of Jesus Christ is something that we rejoice about.
The introit for the Mass continues:
‘Let your forbearance be known to all, for the Lord is near at hand; have no anxiety about anything, but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God’
Today we try to take our anxiety and we hand it over to God and in doing so we find a peace that only He can give us.
In that peace we discover the joy of loving God and in that joy – that gift – we should rejoice!
Sometimes it’s hard to find that peace and when it is difficult we must give God everything in prayer – and in opening ourselves to God in prayer we are changed.
That is the power of prayer, not that God changes the world for us, but that we are changed to be more like God.
Fr. Matthew
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Other news
This is your last chance to re-register for Gift Envelopes – even if you already have one. Sign up on the sheet at the back of church or contact David Couling (number on the front of the pew sheet).
We’re singing carols for the Christmas shoppers on Saturday 18th December outside church (and inside there will be mince pies & mulled wine). We hope to encourage people to come to church over Christmas through our welcome and love.
Don’t forget to book a time to make your Advent confession. Fr. Matthew hears confessions after Evening Prayer on Tuesdays or by appointment.