VICAR

Dear Readers of Country Squire Magazine, I trust that You are well. Gaudete Sunday has arrived this Sunday.

The third candle is lit on this day along with the first two. It is the Shepherds’ candle, reminding that God sent the angels to proclaim His arrival to common man and that He still uses ordinary people today to spread the good news of Christ.

The theme of readings and teachings during Advent is often to prepare for the Second Coming while commemorating the First Coming of Christ at Christmas. With the view of directing the thoughts of Christians to the first coming of Jesus Christ as Saviour and to his second coming as Judge, special readings are prescribed for each of the four Sundays in Advent.

The term Gaudete is derived from the Latin opening words of the introit antiphon, “Rejoice (Gaudete) in the Lord always.” The theme of the day expresses the joy of anticipation at the approach of the Christmas celebration.

Have a peaceful Gaudete Sunday and a positive week ahead.

Lord Jesus Christ, at Your first coming You sent Your messenger before You, John the Baptist, to prepare Your way:
Grant that the ministers and stewards of Your mysteries may prepare and make ready
the celebration of Your first coming in the same way, by turning the hearts of the
disobedient to the wisdom of the just, so that, at Your second coming to judge the
world, we may be found an acceptable people in Your sight, Who live and reign with
the Father and the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.