Gaudete Sunday and Blue Christmas

There are two Sundays in the Church calendar when the liturgical color of choice is pink.  One is Gaudete Sunday, or the third Sunday of Advent; the other is Laetare Sunday, or the fourth Sunday of Lent.  Both seasons of Advent and Lent are penitential in nature, although Lent is more austere, and these Sundays offer a bit of a reprieve.  Gaudete and laetare both mean “rejoice” in Latin and the names for the Sundays are taken from the Latin wording of the introits used during worship.  While Anglican worship has never been in Latin, we acknowledge the tradition and see it reflected in our lectionary: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16) And while most churches do not have pink altar appointments (I do know of a church that actually has two sets!), we do have a pink candle on our Advent wreath that we light as a way to commemorate the day.

While the liturgical lesson is interesting, the reality of living into the expectation of "gaudete" seems daunting, especially with the charge we have from St. Paul to rejoice always in any circumstance.  As I have mentioned before, I believe that “joy” is more than a feeling, it is a state of being.  As Christians, with the knowledge that we are beloved of God and redeemed by Jesus Christ, we are freed from spiritual death and filled with God’s life giving Spirit – filled with joy.  That truth does not end as long as we continue to have faith and believe. 

Indeed it is this faith that at enables us to endure the difficulties and hardships of life, the real pain and suffering that is part of the human experience.  God never denies that life is not without its heartbreak and sorrow, but God does tell us we will not be left comfortless.  Part of that comfort is the ever persistent joy that forms us as believers, giving us the strength and courage to continue to live and believe.

It is difficult for me this year to rejoice as I face the first Christmas without my father and without many other important people in my life.  I know of many others who have had a challenging year or have a loved one who has been gone for many years but still miss his or her presence deeply, especially during the holiday season.  To honor those feelings of sadness and loss, I invite you to join me on Saturday, December 13th at 5 PM in the Church for a “Blue Christmas Service.”  It is an opportunity for our lament to meet our rejoicing.  Being joyful does not deny or discount our sadness and pain.  Joy allows us to be honest with our feelings, knowing that they will not overwhelm us and that God is our comfort in the midst of sorrow.  We know that God knows our pain and consoles us, enabling us, eventually, to reconnect with the constancy of joy. 

I do wish you joy always and everywhere, and even went you do not feel particularly joyful, trust that it is there, ready and waiting for you to partake, especially during the difficult times. 

In Christ,


Rev. Valerie+

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