O LORD, You were favorable to Your land; You restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin. Restore us again, O God of our Salvation, and put away Your indignation toward us. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, so that glory may dwell in our land. Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky. Rejoice in the LORD always; Rejoice: The LORD is at hand.
Advent is a penitential and repentant season of preparation for the birth of Jesus on Christmas. Gaudete Sunday may be traditionally pink or purple. The liturgical color pink is a softer shade of purple and thus symbolizes that Gaudete is a break from the penitence of the season of Advent. The theme is one of rejoicing for the Lord Jesus Christ brings forgiveness and salvation.
The historic lection reading from Isaiah 40,1-2 summarizes this nicely: Comfort, comfort My people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. To receive double for sin is to receive abundant grace and mercy. It is Isaiah's way of saying that all sins, no matter how serious and wicked, are covered and forgiven by God's grace. This gospel is manifest in the person of Jesus Christ who paid for our sin and gives us more than enough grace to cover all our iniquity. Truly, it is a time to rejoice!
Gaudete Collect: O Lord Jesus Christ, we implore You to hear our prayers and to lighten the darkness of our hearts by Your gracious visitation; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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