The Third Sunday of Advent

 The Third Sunday of Advent
December 12

(Light the rose candle and two purple candles)

The event draws ever closer. What once was afar off now is only thirteen days away. The light has spread and begins to claim its mastery over the darkness. In John's gospel, we read: "The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world."

We are in process.

We are moving from darkness into Christ's wonderful light.

We have not yet arrived.

But we are underway.

Today, we light the rose candle. The traditional name of this Sunday is Gaudite (GAW - di - tay), which means "rejoice." It is a kind of break in this season of darkness. We rejoice in our hope, as the promise of the deliverance of the people of God draws ever nearer.


Prayer: God our Creator,
we feel you at work within us
even as we behold the light overcoming the darkness.
Make us faithful
even as you make us complete;
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.