Words of Reflection
In many churches, the Third Sunday of Advent is given a special name: Gaudete Sunday. The name comes from the Latin word gaudete meaning “Rejoice,” which is the first word of one of the Lectionary readings for today:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.”—Philippians 5:16-24 (NRSV)
The theme of Gaudete Sunday is joy, plain and simple. It’s meant to be a day set aside for the wonder of God’s promises and how they are made true in Christ, and how they will find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ’s return. In traditions where Advent is considered a reflective or even penitential season, Gaudete Sunday is a day where that is set aside in favor of a celebration of joy and gladness rooted in the redemption God has given to us and will one day make complete. (You can read more about Gaudete Sunday here)
When Paul says, “Rejoice always,” I think it’s important to remember that he’s not saying, “Be happy always.” There is a profound difference between happiness and joy, although they are often related. A lot has been written through the centuries on that difference, but one of my favorite illustrations of the distinction between the two comes from a list written not too long ago for the website of Compassion International. Here are a few of the items from that list (you can read the entire article here):
—Joy is in the heart. Happiness is on the face.
—Joy is of the soul. Happiness is of the moment.
—Joy transcends. Happiness reacts.
—Joy runs deep and overflows, while happiness hugs hello.
The Christmas season does not automatically guarantee happiness. In fact, for many, happiness is elusive at this time of year. But during Advent we have an opportunity to reflect on joy as something that is not circumstantial, but is rooted in the very faithfulness of God. Paul spoke of that faithfulness pretty directly: “He will do this.” The apostle is referring to God’s coming redemption of all creation, made possible by the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This is, indeed, reason to rejoice.
One of the most joyous parts of the Christmas story occurs when the angels appear to the shepherds, and so on this day of rejoicing we will sit with a carol inspired by that encounter: “Angels We Have Heard on High.” There are two versions of the hymn below—one traditional choral arrangement, and one modern acoustic worship version. Both invite you to join your voice with the angels:
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Scripture for Meditation:
“When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’
The LORD has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negeb.
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.
Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.”—Psalm 126 (NRSV)
Song: Angels We Have Heard on High (lyrics here)
Traditional Choral Version
Modern Worship Version
Questions for Contemplation:
Think back on times when the “Joy of the Lord” became real for you in a new way. Spend some time in grateful prayer for the ways God has brought joy into your life.
Sit prayerfully with this line from the psalm: “The LORD has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.” How does that verse resonate in your own soul? How has God done great things for you? How have you rejoiced?
Like many hymns and carols, our song today features questions. Imagine you are among the shepherds, first in the fields then making the journey to Bethlehem—how would you answer these questions?
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heav’nly song?