On our journey, we move to the third Sunday in Advent on the church calendar. Again, the date on the calendar is marked in blue, but this week our candle color is different; it is rose (pink). Rose is the color of joy. Today is Gaudete Sunday, which comes from the word for rejoice in Latin. (How do you pronounce Gaudete? Gow. Day. Tay. Gow sounds similar to the word cow.)
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
We light a rose colored candle to remind ourselves to celebrate in the midst of this season. Whether we are busy, or quiet, struggling, or peaceful, worried, or relaxed, traveling, or waiting, we sometimes can forget to rejoice. In this time of preparation and prayer, we can also have joy in anticipation of the Lord’s birth.
Today we light two blue candles and one pink candle as we remember the Shepherds. The Shepherds were standing outside in the fields watching over their flocks at night to keep them safe from harm. Suddenly a bright light appeared in the sky. The Shepherds were afraid, but then Angels appeared and told them not to be afraid. The Angels brought news of great joy: in Bethlehem a baby was born who will change everything. The Shepherds are the first to receive the glorious news of the birth of Christ, and as they witness it for themselves, they too become messengers of the Good News.
Suggested activities for this week:
- Set up your crèche and begin to add the nativity figures, one a day.
- Go on a prayer walk, around the neighborhood surrounding St James’.
- Watch a favorite Christmas movie with some friends this week.
- Begin to make plans on how you want to participate in the upcoming Christmas services at St James’ (design a costume of a character or animal from the nativity story, plan to sing in the choir, or sign up to help set up or serve refreshments).
- Invite a friend to attend church with you.
Find ways to give to others. Some ideas:
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- Call a faraway relative and wish them a blessed Advent.
- Make and deliver a thank you card to a librarian.
- Pay for a stranger’s coffee.
- Be extra kind to an animal or two this week.
- Check on everyone in your home. Make sure they have enough food and clean water, warm blankets, and are cared for and safe.
Take time each day to reflect on The Shepherds.
- Have you ever been outside during the dark of night? How does it differ from being outside during the daylight?
- Imagine what the shepherds were thinking while they worked during the hours before the bright light appeared.
- What were they watching for?
- How is God like a shepherd?
- Who watches over you?
- Who do you watch over?
Take time each day to rejoice
- What will you celebrate in this moment?
- What good things have you witnessed?
- What pleasant surprises have you experienced with God or with God’s people?
- Who will you talk to about your experience?
- Describe what you feel when you rejoice.
- What do you do when you rejoice?
- Sing or hum your favorite hymns about rejoicing
Advent Service to Follow at Home
Greeting
Leader: Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Opening Prayer
With joyful anticipation we make ready our hearts for the birth of our Savior, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture Reading
If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night,” darkness is not dark to you, O Lord; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike.
Psalm 139:10-11
Collect
Bring us good news, O Lord, and calm our hearts when we are fearful. Make us sharers of joy. Amen.
Light three Advent candles (the candle of The Prophets, the candle of The Holy Family, and the candle of The Shepherds).
