Wednesday Word . . . Joy
This coming Sunday is the Third Sunday of Advent. It is known as Gaudete Sunday, which is a Latin word meaning Rejoice. The color of Advent is traditionally purple because it was seen as a penitential season similar to Lent – as Lent was the season of preparation for Christ’s resurrection, Advent was the season of preparation for Christ’s birth. That penitential tone was broken up on the third Sunday when a pink/rose candle was lighted and some churches would use rose-colored vestments and hangings. Many churches have recently switched to blue for Advent as a way to more overtly honor the role of Mary.
Regardless of whether a church uses blue or purple, the Third Sunday of Advent is the Sunday of joy. And in our readings this week we have Isaiah proclaiming the blind shall see, the deaf hear, the lame shall leap like a deer, and the mute will sing for joy. Our Psalm speaks of justice for the oppressed, food for the hungry, and orphans, widows, and strangers will be cared for. Jesus tells people this is the time the blind see, the deaf hear, lepers are cleansed, and the dead are raised.
The joy of this Sunday shouldn’t only be reflected in scriptural readings and worship. The joy of this Sunday should be a goal to which we aspire – we should be working for justice, healing, and wholeness to bring joy to those around us.
Our job is to proclaim the love of God and extend hope to all people. By working to live into that vision we will be working to bring a bit of joy into the world.
Blessings,
=========================================================
JOIN
US!!
Wednesday
Night BBQ (Buffalo Bible Questions) via Zoom
5
Pacific/6 Mountain/7 Central/8 Eastern
Click here to Join the meeting
Meeting ID: 871 6340 7294
Passcode: 02241869
