December 11, 2006
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
As Don Teeters notes in his commentary below, "The third Sunday in Advent traditionally is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday because for centuries the reading from Philippians - 'Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say Rejoice' - was the chosen Epistle for that day each year. In our three-year lectionary cycle the reading is used only in Year C, the year we are now in."
This Sunday we will light the pink "Gaudete candle" in the Advent Wreath to symbolize that we drawing closer to the celebration of Christmas. In some churches the vestments of the clergy and the altar hangings also are pink or rose-colored. At All Saints, we keep our traditional violet Advent color in the vestments, but we will mark Rejoice Sunday with the joyfilled hymns and the pink candle in the Advent Wreath.
THEME FOR THE WEEK:
The theme for the Third Sunday of Advent is "Rejoice" because God's saving mercy is near. In the first reading, Zephaniah urges the Israel to "Sing aloud," "shout," "Rejoice and exult with all your heart" because of God promises: "I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the LORD."
The second reading from Philippians has the famous passage which gives its name to this Sunday: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you."
The Gospel from Luke focuses on the figure of John the Baptist, the bearer of God's good news. The people ask if he is the Messiah. John answers, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Who are the John the Baptists in our midst today who point us to the Christ? This will be the theme of the sermon for the third Sunday of Advent.
As we draw closer to the feast of Christmas, let our hearts be filled with joy and anticipation.
Sincerely,
David A. Killian
Rector
* * * * *
Prayer and Scripture for the weekend of December 16-17, 2006
The Third Sunday of Advent
Sermon:
At the Saturday, December 16th service at 5:00 pm: The Rev. David A. Killian
At the Sunday, December 17th service at 10:30 am: The Rev. David A. Killian
At the Sunday, December 17th service at 6:00 pm: The Rev. Leslie K. Sterling
Looking ahead ...
Fourth Sunday of Advent Services:
Saturday, December 23 at 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 24 at 10:30 am
Christmas Eve Services, Sunday, December 24:
3:40 Music by the All Saints Schola
4:00 pm Festal Choral Holy Eucharist
10:30 pm Choral Music for Christmas and Carol Singing
11:00 pm Solemn Festal Choral Holy Eucharist
For the Collect of the Day, Scripture Readings, and Psalm, click here.
For an explanation of the Church's liturgical year, click here.
For a note on the Music at the Sunday 10:30 am service, from All Saints Music Director Donald Teeters, click here.
For a Story from this Sunday's Gospel by Becky Taylor, Director of Children's Youth, and Family Ministry, click here.
For a note on the Sunday 6:00 pm 'Episcopal Evening' service from Assistant Rector, the Rev. Leslie K. Sterling, click here.
To browse past issues of the All Saints Weekly, click here.
For "All Saints Smiles" and news about events, activities, programs, ministries and the staff of our parish, please click on the All Saints website: www.allsaintsbrookline.org.
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