Dance for us, O Advent skies.
Erupt with pink and purple hue.
With light’s last gift, defy the night,
Creator’s love alive in you.
Dance in us, O Cosmic Christ,
Who moves in time with sky and sea.
With pulsing wisdom stir in us
Your surging creativity.
Flow through us, O Spirit soar,
Deep energy of dance divine.
Enflame our hearts with restless joy.
In us, God’s vibrant love abides.
Justin Huyck
Mid-Advent, Gaudete Sunday
The third Sunday of Advent (celebrated this coming Sunday, December 14), is known as Gaudete Sunday. In Latin, “Gaudete” means “rejoice.” The words “rejoice” and “joy” appear prominently in the readings and liturgical texts of the day. For example, at St. Michael’s (Canton, OH), our opening song will include the words, “Heaven and earth, rejoice! Salvation is drawing near.” (Emmanuel by Steve Angrisano, OCP), which reflects St. Paul’s exhortation to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:4-5, Traditional Entrance Antiphon for Third Sunday of Advent).
The joyful color pink (or rose) is sometimes used liturgically on this Sunday as we await with joy the imminent celebration of Christmas, with the faith that Christ has already been born into our world and is transforming our world. Even today, we can dance for joy!
CREDITS:
Text: Copyright © 2011, 2014 Justin Huyck. All rights reserved.
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