This week we encounter the third week of Advent. The rose candle which we light this week refers to “Guadete” or “Rose Rejoicing” Sunday. This comes from the epistle to the Philippians which speaks of “rejoicing in the Lord always”. Rose Rejoicing Sunday reminds us of how anticipated joy over our Savior’s coming breaks through all our serious Advent preparations. Those of us who have grown up in the Anglican Church know that Advent is a somber season. There were no alleluias and no flowers until Christmas. Some churches even omitted the “Gloria Patri” at the end of the Psalm during Advent. There was to be no celebrating until Christmas. So Rose Rejoicing Sunday gives us an opportunity to rejoice as we await the coming of our King at Christmas.Isaiah speaks of the joy of the redeemed in the coming of their Messiah, or deliverer.Isaiah 35: 1-2"The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad;the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus;it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing.The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.They shall see the glory of the Lord,the majesty of our God."This is similar to what happens when someone becomes a believer. The dry desert in which they have existed springs into bloom and they greatly rejoice and shout for joy at what the Lord has done for them. Continuing in Isaiah verse 8 we are told of a highway that will be called the Way of Holiness that only the redeemed will be allowed to access. Then verse 10, “They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”As we continue in our preparations for Christ's Mass:Have we been obedient in our preparations for our coming King? Will we be among those walking the Way of Holiness? Will we be able to say with John in Rev.19:7, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.”Lord, let us be prepared for Your coming. Our desire is to be the most radiant bride who waits for her groom with great joy in her eyes.