Mid-Week Musings

December 11, 2024

Suggested Reading: Luke 2:10

Dear NBRC Family & Friends,

This year, Sunday, December 15, is already the Third Sunday of Advent, or “Gaudete Sunday.” A common theme for the Third Sunday of Advent is “Joy” and the word “gaudete” is a Latin word meaning “rejoice.”

To help us celebrate the theme of “Joy,” we will be singing the well-known hymn “Joy to the World!” Rather than focusing on shepherds, barnyard animals, or a star in the sky, “Joy to the World” focuses on the joy Christ’s birth brought mankind.

The candle that will be lit Sunday morning in the Advent wreath is the pink or Joy Candle, since pink is a color that symbolizes joy. Lighting this candle is a reminder of the joy that filled the hearts of the humble shepherds as they returned after having visited Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. It’s also a reminder that Jesus is the source of lasting joy.

As you prepare for “Gaudete Sunday” and for the lighting of the Joy Candle, spend time contemplating those people and things that are sources of joy in your life and give thanks to God for them. Also, consider that Jesus is a source of joy in the lives of those who believe in Him.

Pastor Ron

Prayer suggestion: As you pray, thank God for those people and things that are sources of joy in your life, and ask Him to help you be a source of joy in the lives of others.

(On Sunday morning, December 15, 2024, the sermon title is Rejoice! and the Scripture lesson will be from Philippians 4:4-7.)