Sunday 16 December 2012

Gaudete!

Just a quick reflection today, as I get ready to go to our Christingle service at St John's this afternoon.



Today is Gaudete Sunday, a day set aside for rejoicing. The words of St Paul's letter to the Phillipians echo in our ears, "Rejoice in the Lord always". We, as Christians, are called to rejoice. This doesn't mean that we should walk around with fixed grins, ignoring the reality of suffering in the world. Rather it means that our lives should be deeply focused on the hope that is ours in Christ. We believe that Christ has come at Christmas, and that Christ will come again in glory.

Whatever we encounter in life, we do so in the context of a hope that history is in God's hands. This gives us reason to rejoice in the depth of our being. It sets us free from hopelessness and despair, and allows us to celebrate in a way that isn't shallow or superficial, but is grounded in the most sure reality of all - the God of love.


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