Advent III  also known as Gaudete Sunday & Rose Sunday

Rejoice in the Lord Always

Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, is a moment of joyful anticipation in the midst of a penitential season. The name "Gaudete" is derived from the Latin word for "Rejoice," taken from the opening words of the Introit for the day: Gaudete in Domino semper ("Rejoice in the Lord always," Philippians 4:4). This Sunday serves as a reminder of the joy that is inherent in awaiting the coming of Christ, both in His Incarnation at Christmas and in His glorious return at the end of time.

Why Is It Also Called Rose Sunday?

The penitential character of Advent is reflected in its liturgical color, purple, which signifies repentance and preparation. However, on Gaudete Sunday, rose-colored vestments are worn instead of purple. This shift represents a lightening of the penitential mood, symbolizing the joy that comes from nearing the celebration of Christ's birth. The rose candle on the Advent wreath is also lit, standing as a visual reminder of the joy and hope that infuse this day.

The rose color, often associated with dawn, reflects the breaking of light into the darkness—pointing to the nearing fulfillment of God’s promise in Christ. It is a foretaste of the joy that the faithful will experience in the fullness of God's kingdom.

The readings for Gaudete Sunday encapsulate the themes of joy, preparation, and the reassurance of God's promises.

For the Introit, St. Paul writes, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." This exhortation reflects the Christian’s confidence in God, even amidst trials. Paul emphasizes gentleness, prayer, and thanksgiving as hallmarks of the faithful life. The peace of God, which "passes all understanding," guards the hearts and minds of believers who trust in Him. This reading resonates with the joy of Gaudete Sunday, reminding us that joy is not a fleeting emotion but a profound trust in God's faithfulness. It challenges us to live in an attitude of gratitude, even as we wait in hopeful anticipation.

In the Epistle reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul presents himself and other apostles as "servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." He emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, not to human judgments but to God, who will reveal the hidden motives of the heart when Christ comes. This passage underscores the Advent theme of preparation. Faithfulness in our stewardship of God’s gifts and mysteries is essential as we await Christ’s return. The joy of Gaudete Sunday arises from the assurance that, as we remain faithful, God’s judgment will be just and filled with grace.

In the Gospel reading from St. Matthew, John the Baptist, imprisoned, sends his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" Jesus responds by pointing to His works: the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. He concludes by affirming John’s role as the forerunner of the Messiah. This passage emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ. The works of Jesus affirm that the kingdom of God is at hand, bringing healing and restoration. The joy of Gaudete Sunday is reflected in the realization that the long-awaited Messiah is present, fulfilling the hopes of the ages.

The Joy of Advent

Gaudete Sunday is a reminder that Christian joy transcends circumstances. It is rooted in the knowledge that God is faithful to His promises. In the midst of the penitential preparation of Advent, Gaudete Sunday allows us to pause and taste the sweetness of the approaching celebration of Christ's birth. This joy, however, is not passive. The readings challenge us to remain vigilant and faithful, to rejoice with a peace that comes from trust in God, and to prepare for Christ’s coming by embodying His love and light in the world. The rose-colored vestments and candles remind us that even as we wait, we are called to reflect the light of Christ in the present.

In this season, as we reflect on the joy of Gaudete Sunday, let us embrace the invitation to rejoice always, to prepare faithfully, and to trust in the promises of God, who is Emmanuel, God with us.

--  Fr. Chris
 

All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee
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Services & Events

Women’s Weekly Prayer Seminar – The Diocese is sponsoring a Weekly Women’s Prayer Seminar via Zoom. It will be taught by published author Bonnie Shannonhouse. The idea of the seminar is to teach as many women as possible the art and practice of prayer, to build a community of prayer warriors, and to foster a greater sense of community in the Diocese. For more information and a link to register, please go to the Diocesan homepage at dmas-acc.org.

Sunday Services, 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, & 11:15 AM (for online participation for the services go to: https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland) 

Sunday School, 10:30 AM

Nursery 9:00 & 11:15 Services

Wednesday, 12 noon, Holy Communion and anointing for healing, (for online participation for the service go to: https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland)

Christmas Eve Services, 7:00 PM & 11:00 PM

Christmas Day Service, 12 noon

UPDATED LlST OF NEEDS FOR MaRIH CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER

With the upcoming celebration of the Birth of Our Savior, please help MaRIH Center now. The need is great and urgent this time of year. With its all volunteer staff the Center provides help to mothers-to-be and mothers in need.  Please provide some of the items that are needed.. (You can leave the donations where the food for the food bank is collected on the pew in the undercorft.)

Especially Needed
 In Bold and with an asterisk are a critical need.

Diapers (sizes newborn, *1, 2, 3, *4, *5, & *6)
*Lovies
*Baby wipes
*Diaper rash ointment
*Baby shampoo
*Baby blankets
*Baby bottles
*Bibs toddler
*Formula: *Simulac Advance Formula
Formula: other but not recalled
*Wash clothes
*Hooded towels
*Fall Winter clothing: 3-6 mo, 2T
*Winter coats 2T
*Grocery gift cards
 
Food Bank Needs

Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Those we help feed are very thankful for the food we provide to them each month. Please also buy low sugar cereals (and not the kid's types that have lots of sugar).  Current needs include the following:
canned meats (chicken, corned beef, spam)
peanut butter
jelly
tuna
canned vegetables (corn, green beans - (regular and low sodium)
 individual fruit cups (low sugar)
canned fruit (low sugar)
canola or vegetable oil (48 oz)
boxed cereal (low sugar) and instant or old fashioned oatmeal (18 oz or 42 oz)
pasta (regular and gluten-free):
instant potatoes
single serving fruit juice
macaroni & cheese
soups: Chunky or Progresso,noodle soup; chicken broth, cream of mushroom
coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar
 
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