17 Dec Gaudete Sunday
Allow me to play the role of church geek – for just a moment. The third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday (pronounced in three syllables: Gow-day-tay). It means “rejoice” in Latin. We light the pink candle because that is the liturgical color for joy – the joy that the world first experienced at the birth of Jesus. There is a longer backstory about the color of joy; and the fact Advent is patterned after Lent. It involves a Pope and a pink rose. But, I would never ask you to tolerate that much church geekery in a single reading!
Instead, let me encourage you to rejoice in real time this weekend. Jim Boratko has described it as “… another big Sunday music-wise.” Which is totally true. The Quiet City Brass Quintet and The Whitechapel Handbell Choir will make a joyful noise unto the Lord. The First Church Choir will sing a rendition of “The Rose”. Not the Bette Midler song; but the composition by Ola Gjeilo: “When with moss and honey she tips her bending brier, and half unfolds her glowing heart, she sets the world on fire.” The whole congregation will crowd the chancel in singing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.
The sermon is entitled “Think Pink: Always…In All Circumstances” based on selected verses from
1 Thessalonians 5: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus for you.” The blush, buds, and blooms are blessings. I’ll say more when I see you.
Season’s best,
Rev. Fredd
View the Full Sunday Notes here.