Gaudete 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 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 Fish+
 

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

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SERVICES & EVENTS

This Saturday December 13, 8:30 AM, Men's Breakfast,  church undercroft,  breakfast Chef Extraordinaire Claude Crump and Bible study by Fr. Bragg. Great breakfast, great Bible study, and great fellowship. Men please feel free to invite friends

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

Nursery, 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM Services

Sunday School, 10:30 AM 

This Monday December 15, 7:30 PM, VESTRY MEETING, undercroft

No study & discussion of the Saints this Monday, December 15, Fr. Bragg continues his study and discussion on the Saints,  Monday December 22 & December 29 at 7:30 PM, undercroft. If you couldn't make it to the first ones, you're still welcome to attend the following ones.

Wednesday, Noon – Holy Communion and anointing for healing

Friday December 19, 6:30 PM, Caroling in the neighborhood, meet at the church

Christmas Services:
Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 7:00 PM & 11:00 PM
Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 12:00 noon

Friday, December 26, 12 noon service, St. Stephen, Deacon & Martyr

Saturday, December 27, 12 noon service. St. John, Apostle & Evangelist

Sunday, December 28, 9:00 AM, Service of Lesson & Carols

Sunday January 25, 7:45 AM Service, 10:00 AM Combined Service (no 9 &11:15 AM Services) followed by Annual Parish Meeting

Women’s Retreat to be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Church of the Ascension in Centreville, VA. Details to follow as the date draws near
 
MaRiH Crisis Pregnancy Center: Critical Needs 
Thank you for your help. Instead of presenting the whole list of needs, we are emphasizing the critical needs that MaRiH Center has, The critical needs list below has been updated. :
Diapers, sizes 5 and 6
Winter coats (Boys & Girls), size 2T 
Winter clothing, sizes 3- 6 months and 2T 
Wipes
Baby Blankets
Baby formula: Similac Advance Formula
Bibs::toddler
Lovies, Rattles, Teethers
There are two options for helping the Center with this need! 
 
Option 1 
Amazon has all the specific items needed. You can order the specific item(s) and have them delivered directly to the Center.  

The MaRiH Center
3230B Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-4521
703-370-4774

Option 2 
Go to your local store, purchase the items requested and drop them off at church on Sunday. We will deliver them to the MaRIH Center.
 

Food Bank Needs
 
With the cold weather here the food bank has more folks who need food. 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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St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland
1607 Dewitt Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301-1625