Belmont University Advent GuideSample

Advent is one of my favorite seasons of the church calendar. For me, it offers a respite from the noise and bustle of the traditional secular Christmas season—Frosty, roasting chestnuts, jingle bells, shopping, parties, and did I mention Santa?

Today marks the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday. In Latin, Gaudete means “Rejoice,” and worship observing an Advent season offers the believer a time to joyously celebrate the first coming of Christ in his incarnation while somberly waiting and preparing for his second coming in glory as judge.

In our gospel reading today from John 5 and a few verses earlier, Jesus lays out his relationship with the Father to the Jewish leaders after being persecuted for healing on the Sabbath.

For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.

Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. (vs. 26–30)

As someone who enjoys altar art from the Middle Ages, the terms judgment and end times conjure a somewhat frightening mental image at first blush—not something I would typically think of as joyful. However, as I ponder the overwhelming love of God for humankind, I am overcome with peace and great joy.

Very truly I tell you; whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. (v. 24)

We can have confidence and joy if we still ourselves to hear the voice of Jesus and believe in the Father who sent him. John 3.16 is one of the most beloved of all verses in the Bible: God loved humankind so much he sent Jesus to us so that if we believe in him we would enjoy everlasting life. It is that simple. That to me is truly joyful!

The Episcopal Book of Common Prayer’s Collect appointed for the Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Day is shocking to me every time I hear it, and I find myself frequently thinking of it:

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, now and forever.

Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel.

Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Steve Lasley
Vice President of Finance and Operations