Rejoice!
Gaudete Sunday is coming!
 |
| The incipit for the Gregorian chant introit from which Gaudete Sunday gets its name. |
This name for the Third Sunday in Advent in the Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican worship traditions is reported to be a counterpart to Laetare Sunday in Lent -- a bit of a break in the sombre season, an opportunity to rejoice in the anticipation of the Lord's coming (in Lent, the break is an opportunity to rejoice in the anticipation of Easter and the Resurrection).
How fitting then that our annual Service of Lessons and Carols will be celebrated this Sunday -- with special readings and hymns of both reflection and joyous anticipation.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God....You showed favour to your land, O Lord; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.*
*Philippians 4:4-6; Psalm 85:1
No comments:
Post a Comment