Fears and Tears

The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday from the Latin word meaning to rejoice.The rose colored candle is lit on the advent wreath and stands out from the violet candles. It is a time to rejoice, the Lord is soon coming.

In the scripture readings this past weekend, I hear in the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians, the verse ‘Rejoice in the Lord always”. And the word rejoice is emphasized and repeated.

This year during the holiday season, I do feel a joy returning to me, but I also feel an emptiness and sadness. I find myself missing my extended family from out of state, and I find myself thinking of loved ones that are no longer here.

I look to my close knit family, and I am thankful for a loving husband and our beautiful adult children. We are truly blessed as our little inner circle is expanding as boyfriends and girlfriends enter into our lives.

I am grateful to God for the sweet memories and the gift of family. I pray for His grace to surround me, especially where I am this year, in the bittersweet times of joy and sadness. He knows my thoughts, He knows my joy, He knows my pain, He knows me. I rejoice in His tender care because He is close to me, He is my Comforter, He is my God.

The Lord offers me pink roses, they have a lovely, sweet fragrance. I accept the roses and hold them close to my heart, because He is with me. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.