Dear friend,
Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!
That is the theme for the Third Week of Advent, accompanied by the lighting of the pink candle on the wreath. This is not really a long season, but waiting in anticipation for Christmas to get here can be a challenge. So we get a respite from repentance, and pause to join with the angels in singing about the birth of Christ which has already happened.
However, the time from Jesus’ first advent/coming to His second advent/return IS a long season in our view. Sometimes we might even think it’s not ever going to happen. This, too, is why the interlude of joy is so welcome. The angels remind us that God’s promises are always fulfilled and His Word is always kept and His salvation is always proceeding according to His eternal purpose in Christ. And that is plenty to rejoice over.
Therefore carry a joyful song in your heart, if not on your lips. And bring it to our community gathering this Wednesday as we share our final midweek meal and service together.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Pastor Heckmann
