Simple Advent, Abundant Life: rejoice always

Third week of Advent—Sunday Reflection

Day 15: Sunday, Dec. 13

REFLECT 

"As the earth brings forth its plants,

and a garden makes its growth spring up,

so will the Lord GOD make justice and praise

spring up before all the nations."

-Isaiah 61: 11

"Rejoice always."

-1 Thessalonians 5:16

On the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, we pause to celebrate that the coming of Jesus and God's justice are near. Gaudete is a Latin word meaning "rejoice," and as we take this moment to pause in the middle of Advent, we remember that true and lasting joy comes from God and through love of neighbor, not from discounts or the material presents that we give or receive. Advent simplicity provides an opportunity to reorient ourselves toward joy and to give thanks for the abundance of gifts already present in our lives. 

On this Gaudete Sunday, how can you make space to rejoice and express gratitude for the gifts already present in your life? 

ACT

Consider calling a loved one and expressing your gratitude for them or making a list of things for which you are grateful that you can uplift in prayer. 

View the Advent Simplicity Calendar for an Advent prayer on consumerism. 

Simple Advent, Abundant Life

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