Advent 2009
December 13 – Sunday of the third week in Advent
Today's thought
Tracie and the children were really missing Mike, each for their own reasons. But finally his unit was coming home from duty in Timor-Leste. Anticipation of Mike’s home-coming began to take over the family. Tracie wanted everything to be ready so that they could have priority time with her husband on his return. She made sure she was on top of maintenance, gardens, bills, school issues and holiday plans.
The younger children were making presents and drawing pictures to show to their father the moment he walked in the door. The older ones were excited about it and wondering about it - both at the same time. But they helped their mother as best they could to make sure their Dad knew how much they loved him and how much they wanted him home. The family’s anticipation was not free of anxiety but it was full of joy. Tracie could see the skip in her children’s steps and could feel lightness in her own. What they had longed-for was coming to pass!
Today’s liturgy opens with the words, “Rejoice in the Lord always”. It is traditionally known as “Joy Sunday” (Gaudete Sunday). The whole Church rejoices today as it looks forward to commemorating the Saviour’s birth. Christmas is coming!
Scripture
Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.- Philippians 4:4
Prayer
Lord God, may your people who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience joy and salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. Through Christ our Lord, Amen
Poetry extract
At its own Wunger place- From “Lalai (Dreamtime)” recounted by Sam Woolagoodjah, elder of the Worora people, north west Australia. Translated by Andrew Huntley from the prose version of Michael Silverstein.
A spirit waits for birth –
‘Today, I saw who the child really is …