Sunday 11th December 2011

The Third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath. Gaudete is the imperative plural form of the Latin verb gaudere (to rejoice). It is a command ordering us to rejoice!

Historically Advent was a time of fasting, not unlike lent. Getting folks to fast throughout the winter months is a great deal more difficult than in the Spring when we are so much closer to warmth and sunshine, so it’s no surprise that most simply didn’t bother.

The church, to try to encourage fasting, designated a ‘break’ in the middle of Advent. On Gaudete Sunday the vestments change from purple to pink, the children are blessed, and everyone has a slap up feast!

I’m not sure that we need a slap up feast; or at least I don’t – I’m putting enough weight on as it is! But perhaps this is a good time to re-focus on what Christmas is all about. It’s about God being born a baby, being a child. It’s a reminder that all children are sacred and a blessing. It’s a reminder of what’s really important.

Ironically it’s easy to forget how important the children in our life are. We can get so busy doing things for them that we neglect to do things with them. We forget that our time is the most precious gift that we can give them. They may be crying out for the latest video game, the latest toy, the latest fashionable clothes, but what they need is you.’

Today we honor our children, and remember that they are a blessing to us and that if they are to prosper then we need to be a blessing for them.

Let us say together:

O Holy One,
We commend our children to you.
Be their God, their heavenly Mother and Father;
Mercifully supply whatever is wanting in us,

through frailty or negligence,

so that we may be better models for them.
Strengthen them to overcome the corruptions of the world,
to resist all evil,
whether from within or without;
and deliver them from the secret snares of evil,

of those who would not honor their precious value.
Pour your grace into their hearts,

and confirm and multiply in them the gifts of your Holy Spirit,
that they may daily grow in grace,
and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ;
and so, faithfully serving you here,
may rejoice in your presence forever.

Lord, in your Holy Name we ask for this blessing.

Amen.

Sunday 11th December 2011

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