The Third Sunday of Advent
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. – Philippians 4:4-5
As we approach the Third Sunday of Advent, often called Gaudete Sunday, we pause in the midst of waiting to celebrate joy. The pink candle we light this week invites us to seek joy not only in extraordinary events but also in the quiet spaces of our lives, where God often appears without fanfare.
Our readings this week draw us into a vision of joy and transformation that springs from the assurance of God’s faithfulness. Zephaniah calls Israel to “Sing aloud, O daughter Zion,” as God promises to restore and gather the people, bringing them home in peace and renewal. This vision, filled with rejoicing, foreshadows the ultimate restoration we await in Christ.
Paul’s words to the Philippians echo this call to joy, encouraging the faithful to “rejoice in the Lord always” and to let their gentleness be known to all. Here, joy is not a fleeting feeling but a deep-seated assurance that God is near, providing peace beyond understanding, especially in anxious times.
In Luke's Gospel, John the Baptist speaks not of himself but of the One who is coming, urging repentance as preparation for the Messiah. Yet even here, the underlying message is one of hope: through repentance, we open ourselves to God’s refining love, making space for Christ’s presence to transform our hearts.
As we light the pink candle this Sunday, may we reflect on these readings and embrace the call to live as a people of hope amidst grief and uncertainty, joyfully anticipating God’s redemption of the world.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
– Collect for the Third Sunday of Advent