Readings (Click the links to see the readings)

Zephaniah 3:14-20 | Song of Isaiah (APBA, p. 391) | Philippians 4:4-7 | Luke 3:7-18

Gaudete (*)
Brad Reynolds

Because Christmas is almost here
Because dancing fits so well with music
Because inside baby clothes are miracles.
Gaudete.

Because some people love you
Because of chocolate
Because pain does not last forever
Because Santa Claus is coming.
Gaudete.

Because of laughter
Because there really are angels
Because your fingers fit your hands
Because forgiveness is yours for the asking
Because of children
Because of parents.
Gaudete.

Because the blind see.
And the lame walk.
Gaudete.

Because lepers are clean
And the deaf hear.
Gaudete.

Because the dead will live again
And there is good news for the poor.
Gaudete.

Because of Christmas
Because of Jesus
You rejoice.

from: America; The National Catholic Weekly 11 Dec. 2006)

(*) 'Gaudete' is the Latin word for 'rejoice', and is the Third Sunday in Advent.

Prayer

Blessèd are you, Sovereign God of all,
to you be glory and praise for ever!
From the rising of the sun to its setting
your glory is proclaimed in all the world.
You gave the Christ as a light to the nations,
and through the anointing of his Spirit
you established us as a royal priesthood.
As you call us into his marvellous light,
may our lives bear witness to your truth
and our lips never cease to proclaim your praise,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
Blessèd be God for ever!
— Celebrating common prayer.

"Because Christmas is almost here … Gaudete."

Andy Warhol. Untitled (Nativity).

Sir William Walton (1902-1983), Make we joy now in this fest (First published: Christmas Eve, 1931)
Introduced by actor Simon Russell Beale
Sung by The Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers