Dear Friends,
Last week I wrote about allowing Advent to be a time that offers a little rest, a glimpse of light, rather than another thing “to do.” Easier said than done, I know!
We are nearing the midpoint of Advent as the days grow darker and we are more in need of the light; at this midpoint we celebrate the Feast of St. Lucy, whose name means “light” from the Latin lux. Though she lived in Sicily and is still venerated there, the place most associated with her might be Sweden, a dark northern country much in need of light this time of year. On December 13, the Feast of St. Lucy, a young girl is crowned with candles, due to her name and the legend that at night she entered the catacombs, taking food to frightened Christians, wearing a crown of candles to light her way so that her hands were free to carry more provisions.
I first ran into St. Lucy 30 years ago while Christmas shopping in Andersonville. Snow was falling in the early evening, shops were lit for the holidays, crowds were bustling and, then, a line of teen girls processing, led by one girl in a dress of white and crown of (electric) candles on her head. It was magical.
A moment of light in the dark.
And in this midpoint of Advent we approach its third Sunday, known as “Gaudete Sunday” because traditionally the Mass began with “Rejoice (Gaudete) in the Lord always.” This was in the days when the traditional themes of Advent were death, judgment, heaven, and hell, and this Sunday would have focused on heaven! Over time and in the spirit of rejoicing, we began to wear rose vestments and light the rose candle in the Advent wreath on this Sunday. And at All Saints we enlarge the tradition of rejoicing by holding our faithful, funny, pointed, and joyful Christmas Pageant on Advent 3. So come prepared to laugh and cheer and . . . rejoice!
A moment of joy in the bleak midwinter.
I pray you each have moments of joy and light these days.
See you in Church!
Faithfully, Suzanne+