A Journey Through Advent: Sunday, Dec. 12
by the Rev. Tom Albinson, Assistant Rector
The Episcopal Church of St. Michael & St. George, Clayton
Today's readings: Canticle 9, Zephaniah 3:14-20; Luke 3:7-18
Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine, gaudete!
Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born (out) of the Virgin Mary, rejoice!
Today, this Gaudete Sunday, we are well over the halfway mark till we celebrate the first coming of Jesus, the Light of t he World, and I am beginning to feel the joy expressed in the text of this advent carol.
As surrounded as we are by a seemingly constant barrage of bad news, we are in need of a reminder of that Light and that hope.
Have you ever experienced being in a church at night with all the lights turned off?
I have a few times.
As my eyes adjust I notice the flickering light of the lamp by t he reserved sacrament.
One flame is impacting the gloom around.
In the dark, the Light of Christ is still burning.
In the midst of our fear, uncertainty and doubt there is a reminder of Immanuel, God is with us.
There is still hope, this is why we can sing with joy.
Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine, gaudete!
Tags: A Journey Through Advent