Make a Joyful Noise

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises”

-Psalm 98:4

This Sunday marks one of my favorite days of the church year, Rose Sunday. In Advent, its official title is “Gaudete Sunday,” from the latin word meaning rejoice! You may have never heard of it, as its popularity has faded since the adoption of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, but its many meanings and importance could not be more appropriate for us in 2020.

Advent and Lent are often tied together as a time of penitence and fasting. Earlier church tradition encouraged a ban on weddings, singing, and even birthday celebrations during these seasons! This proved to be a misstep as many found it impossible to adhere to, and so the church marked Rose Sunday. A time in which we remembered that although the liturgical calendar places us in a moment in which we await Christ, the light has already entered the world and our hearts. So, like holding a flashlight up against a Lenten purple paper, the light shines through and gives us a rose color. Along with that rose, a day in which celebrations were encouraged, fasts broken, and a joyful noise made!

This year has felt in a lot of ways like we are living in a perpetual season of self denial and darkness. We have literally lived without hymn singing, few weddings, and more funerals. However, it is important that we remember that although there is much we are giving up, there is so much we are blessed with. Beginning with a God who loves us unconditionally and without pause. When we do such a thing, we cannot help but make a joyful noise, singing in our homes, watching our live streams, and soon one day, together in church. The light has come into the world, and remains with us even in times that feel so dark. So rejoice in rose, make a joyful noise, and share that light with the world.

-The Rev. Michael Sahdev