The Third Sunday in Advent

“I will light candles this Christmas,

Candles of joy despite all the sadness,

Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,

Candles of courage for fears ever present,

Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,

Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,

Candles of love to inspire all my living,

Candles that will burn all year long.”

~ Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman

Dear SDUMC Family,

As I think about the upcoming third Sunday in Advent, it has always been a particularly special time for me. I remember my sister and I would wait with great anticipation for the pink candle on the Advent wreath to be lit. In our elementary school minds, it meant Christmas and winter break were almost upon us (we even tried to switch the candles one year to speed things up, but that did not work out so well...).

Some traditions refer to the third week of Advent as Gaudete Sunday. "Gaudete" is Latin for "Rejoice." This Sunday has been a great hope to those who have had feelings of worry, fear, frustration, and doubt throughout history. This often-overlooked Sunday is a reminder that God, who loves us, will be with us in all that we are facing. This is a meaningful reminder for me (especially this year), and I hope for you as well. I had an unforgettable time (pictured above) sharing God's joy with the SDUMC Preschool this week.

I hope you will make it a priority to be with us this Gaudete Sunday to celebrate the way God brings us Joy during this season and throughout our lives (yes, even in 2020). We'll see you at 9:30 a.m. for our Livestream worship (Outdoor Worship will be back in early February).

Grace, Peace, and Advent Blessings,

John