The King Comes to Bring Us Joy!
December 16, 2018
3rd Sunday in Advent
The ancient church had Latin titles for all their Sundays. They called the third Sunday in Advent “Gaudete Sunday.” The Latin word gaudete means rejoice. On some Advent wreaths, the third candle is a pinkish rose color, symbolizing joy.
An encouragement to rejoice might sound odd in light of this Advent season’s themes, especially Christ’s second coming to this world. We have seen that when Jesus comes again he is going to judge all mankind and destroy the universe. Even the gospel reading for today warns about “the coming wrath” which will include “unquenchable fire.” If that is what Christ will bring at his second coming, how can we possibly live joyfully?
Answer: because of Christ’s first coming. When Jesus came that first Christmas, it wasn’t to bring judgment, but to bear judgment. Jesus was born, not to punish sin, but to be punished for sin. All those with faith in Christ know that when he comes for the second time, it will be to deliver us, not destroy us. He will not increase our pain but take every pain away. Then, and not a moment before, our lives will finally be perfect! And so, we live joyfully and thankfully, looking forward to Christ’s return.
Children's Christmas Service is at the 10:30AM Service!
Prayer Requests!
David Roberts:
recovering from a serious back injury
Shelby Balla:
recovering from a second surgery at Wolfson
Anne Hoyer, Lucy Hatter, Larry Krantz, and John Grotefend:
all battling cancer
Aubrey Baker:
struggling with Severe Aplastic Anemia and will find out treatment soon.
CELEBRATING WEDDING ANNIVERSARY DATES:
Chris and Carolyn King - 18th
Wes and Rachel Cochran - 19th
Ben and Danielle Steinbrenner - 19th
Third Midweek Advent Service
6pm - Soup and Sandwich Supper
7pm - Worship
Email: office@victorylutheran.org
Website: victorylutheran.org
Location: 4651 Kernan Boulevard South, Jacksonville, FL, USA
Phone: 904.642.8900