December 9, 2008

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

The word "Advent" is derived from the Latin "adventus", "coming". During this season we focus on three comings of Christ: Christ born in a stable in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, Christ born into our lives today, and the "Second Coming" of Christ at the end of the world.

THEME FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

The third Sunday of Advent is called "Gaudete" or "Rejoice" Sunday since the reading today from the first epistle to the Thessalonians begins with "Rejoice" (Latin: Gaudete). We rejoice because the time of Christ's birth draws near. In the Collect we pray: "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."

The reading from Isaiah highlights the reign of justice which God's servant will bring to the earth: "The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit." (Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11)

Psalm 126 prays for the restoration of God's people: "When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nations,'The LORD has done great things for them.' The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed."

The reading from the first epistle to the Thessalonians urges Christians to a holy joy: "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. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)

The Gospel from John focuses on John the Baptist, who bore witness to the coming of Christ: Then they said to him, "Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,'" as the prophet Isaiah said. (John 1:6-8,19-28)

We express the joyful spirit of those who await the coming of Christ at our worship services this weekend: Saturday at 5 pm, Sunday at 10:30 am, and Sunday at 6 pm. The Sunday 10:30 am service will feature a dramatization of the Christmas story by actress and director Olivia Woodford. All are welcome.

Sincerely, David A. Killian Rector

For the Collect of the Day, Scripture Readings, and Psalm, click here. Please note that the we are now using the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) reading. For Story from this Sunday's Gospel by Becky Taylor, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry, click here.

worship services for

The Third Sunday of Advent
December 13-14, 2008
Saturday, December 13, at 5:00 pm - Preacher: Mr. Randy Callender
Sunday, December 14, at 10:30 am - Sermon: Ms. Olivia Woodford
Sunday, December 14, at 6:00 pm - Preacher: The Rev. Leslie K. Sterling

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