Third Sunday in Advent

The Third Sunday in Advent is known also as Rose Sunday or Gaudete Sunday as it marks the halfway mark in Advent, the transition from the penitential aspect of Advent to the joyful and celebratory part of Advent. On the third Sunday, the rose/pink candle is lit, the Shepherd's Candle.

Here is the Collect from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee; Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

At Lake Murray we read Isaiah 40: 8-11:

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!"

See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (NIV)

In Sunday School we are also celebrating Advent, and our readings have been provided by William's great uncle, a priest at The Grotto of OSM in Oregon. I won't type out all that we read, but Guy, Kitty, and Dolores read aloud from Isaiah 35:1-6, 10; James 5:7-10, and Matthew 11:2-11. We have been using the same list of readings for our nightly Advent devotions at home. We have been truly enjoying the devotions in Christ in the Carols in addition to our Scripture readings, prayers, and lighting of the candles.

So a blessed Third Week of Advent to you and yours, and a holy and joyous Christmas to you as well.