The Source of Our Joy

"we stagger onward rejoicing, for we have been given a glimpse of our salvation"

It is a time of testing, preparation, and joy.

In the Orthodox tradition of icons, John the Baptist, also called John the Forerunner, is frequently depicted with the wings of an angel. The word “angel” comes from the Greek word “angelos” meaning messenger. The icon of John the Baptist as the “Angel of the Desert” evokes the opening lines of the Gospel according to Mark, “behold I am sending my messenger (angelos) ahead of you, he will prepare your way.”

In a sense the Forerunner continues his ministry even today. He is the messenger sent by God to prepare the way of the Lord. He preaches “good news to the people.” As we await the coming, or advent, of the Lord, John appears in our readings from scripture to encourage us to to repent of our sins and prepare for our salvation.

Advent is traditionally a period of fasting and prayer as we prepare ourselves for the great day of our salvation. But we must remember that it is also a time of joy and anticipation. The Third Sunday of Advent is sometimes called Gaudete Sunday. The celebration of Mass for this day begins with the word “gaudete” the Latin word for rejoice. We rejoice over the coming of the Lord, both as the child in Bethlehem and as the great judge during the last days.

The rose colored candle in the Advent wreath is not an indication of a lessening of our advent preparation, but rather it is a reminder that the entire season of our preparation is a season of joy as we anticipate our freedom from the bondage of sin.

The English-American poet, W.H. Auden once wrote a poem titled “Atlantis.” The poem is something of a guide to the person seeking the lost fabled city. It gives advice on how to deal with all the various distractions and obstacles one may meet on the way. It is a difficult and dangerous journey but the seeker is encouraged to “stagger onward, rejoicing.” In the end he views the city only from a distance, but this too is a blessing. “Give thanks and lie down in peace, having seen your salvation.”

We are all travelers. The journey is difficult and dangerous and we meet with many distractions and obstacles. Yet we stagger onward rejoicing, for we have been given a glimpse of our salvation. This is the source of our joy.

During Advent we tend to focus on fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. We count our many blessings and are especially attentive to the needs of others. There is a penitential flavor to the season as we anticipate the end of all things and the final judgment. But it is also a time of preparation and joy as we look forward to the birth of the one who will make all things new. The third Sunday of Advent is a time when the purple of the penitent is mingled with the white of the purified.

Pax Vobiscum
3rd Sunday in Advent

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© Lawrence Klimecki

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Deacon Lawrence draws on ancient Christian tradition to create new contemporary art that seeks to connect the physical and the spiritual.. For more information on original art, prints and commissions, Please visit www.DeaconLawrence.org 

Lawrence Klimecki, MSA, is a deacon in the Diocese of Sacramento. He is a public speaker, writer, and artist, reflecting on the intersection of art and faith