Disciples, Apostles, and Saints!
As we continue through this Advent season, honoring the season of anticipation and preparation for the Feast of the Incarnation on Christmas, we find ourselves following the order we’ve established for ourselves for this season, reminiscing of Decembers past, of gatherings and festivities and decorations. We respond to music and dance and TV specials of the past with characters from Peanuts or Dr. Seuss. We might decorate our homes (or not). We might feel festive (or not). This season is always full of memories and anticipation of the future.
In the Advent wreath, we’ve lit the candles for Hope and Peace. And the next comes the third candle, often colored pink. The Joy candle.
We call this day Gaudete Sunday. The ancient liturgy for the third Sunday of Advent began with the word gaudete, which means rejoice. This day we respond to this call to restore joy, to re-joyce in the world, as children of God.
Then next week, we will light the fourth candle: Love. The nature of God, the path we are to follow, the way of being the blessed community.
Our memories, preparations, fears — what are they if they are not for love? For love of God, of the kin-dom, of neighbor and self?
Perhaps we put so much pressure on this season, on our neighbors, on God(!) to make this season make us happy, hopeful, and joyous because we’re afraid. Afraid to seek joy in God. In our frailty, our disappointment, our sadness. That love can be found, even now. Even here. In this space, with each other.
With love,
Drew+
