Dear PPPC,

On Sunday, the order of the day is…JOY.

On the third Sunday of Advent, we light the joy candle. It’s pink! Of course, this isn’t random, there’s meaning behind it.

The third Sunday of Advent is also known as Gaudete Sunday. As a break from the heaviness of Advent’s penitential preparations, this Sunday offers a reprise from our dark longings, to offer joy’s glimmer of light. The Latin word Gaudete is grammatically imperative, reminding us that even in the midst of darkness, we are called to rejoice.

Last Wednesday, I was sitting in my office at the church, the time was approaching 4:30pm and of course, the sun was beginning to set. Through the office door came the sound of children, little feet, little voices, as they began to gather for pageant rehearsal. Next came a tune from the organ, masterfully played by our Sara Hoey. After that was the sound of the recorder group, playing familiar Christmas carols, accompanied by the growing sound of voices gathering for the PW Christmas program. I couldn’t help but smile. Joy. I heard joy resounding in what should have been the silence of the early night.

It is on the Gaudete Sunday that we most often hear the Magnificat proclaimed (Luke 1:46-55), as we will this Sunday (it’s the second scripture). The Magnificat is the name given to the song Mary sings when she goes to visit her relative Elizabeth, and Elizabeth (also pregnant) greets her.

The Magnificat is joyful, certainly. It also makes some bold and serious faith claims about the coming Messiah, who is Christ the Lord. I would encourage you to read it before worship on Sunday. Our final hymn, The Canticle of the Turning, was inspired by the Magnificat. If you’re unfamiliar with it, here is a contemporary version, that you might ponder it in your heart.

In the name of the One who taught us to love one another,
Pastor Molly