Rejoicing!
 

This Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete [Rejoice!] Sunday, after the first word of the Chant Entrance Antiphon sung to begin Liturgies on this day for centuries. We light the pink candle on our Advent Wreath, and our readings continue the theme of rejoicing in all things. Some days it is hard to find anything to rejoice about, so cultivating an attitude of thankfulness helps us to find joy in the darkest days.

Our Voluntary by the Chancel Choir is Surely It Is God Who Saves Me by Jack Noble White, setting Isaiah 12:2. These words remind us that each of us matters greatly to God – we are not alone, and should have no fear for any troubles of this world.

The Opening Hymn brings us “new wine in old flasks” with a modern text by Thomas Troeger set to the famous Welsh Hymn Tune “Ar Hyd y Nos” [All Through the Night]. Troeger’s inspired text is yet another reminder to keep focused on God’s eternal promises to us – no matter how bad the present may seem. View the Present Through the Promise was written in 1986 in response to the Hymn Society of America’s call for new hymns for use in Advent.

The Choir’s Anthem is Tom Fettke’s The Annunciation which beautifully tells the story of the Angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she was to bear Christ, and her famous hymn of praise in response: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord”, or Magnificat Anima Mea Dominum. This setting weaves in quotes from Ennio Morricone’s “Gabriel’s Oboe” used in the 1986 movie “The Mission”.

My Offertory music is by Jeanne Demessieux, one of my favorite “unknown” organ composers. Rorate Coeli is an ancient chant used in many guises thoughout Advent, and the Rorate Coeli Mass is said at dawn on the longest day of the year, coming up this Saturday, December 21st. The chant text quoting Isaiah 45: 8 translates:
Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down justice.
Let the earth be opened and send forth a Savior.
 
During this darkest week of the year, I pray you find light your faith, being Christ’s light to all around you and seeing the light of Christ in others. Christ is truly born in each of us every day, and that is a cause for rejoicing!

I invite you all to join us on the longest night of the year for our Blue Christmas Service at 5pm in the Parlor. It will be an evocative, meditative, calming, and healing time of Worship in the Style of Taizé, and the perfect escape from the seasonal craziness. This thoughtful and meaningful observance is tailored for those who have lost loved ones at Christmas, or for whom memories of past experiences and the pain of present situations can become overwhelming. All are welcome to come and experience this beautiful tradition at Grace Church.

With a Grateful Heart,
Kenton