3rd Sunday of Advent

Today, the Third Sunday of Advent, is known as “ Gaudete Sunday” and is marked by a rose colored candle on the Advent wreath. The Latin word gaudete means “rejoice” and is taken from Philippians 4:4 in which Saint Paul declares: “Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again, rejoice!” The title “ Gaudete Sunday” thus refers to the joy that we feel as Advent is half over and Christmas is near. The season of Advent is one of preparation and anticipation. Today, as the celebration of the Birth of the Lord has nearly arrived, we are filled with joy.

Despite the over-commercialization of the holidays, most people sense the need to recover the deeper meaning of Christmas. We can do this by placing our Christmas preparations within a Christian context. From the perspective of faith, our eagerness to surprise someone with a special gift reflects God’s gift to the world of His only Son, Jesus. It also reminds us of the gifts given to the newborn Christ Child by the Magi. Holiday lights remind us of the Bethlehem star and also remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World. We are reminded, too, that we must “let our light shine” as Jesus told us to do. Songs of peace on earth can encourage us to promote peace within our families, our community, and our world. Posadas, parties and feasting can remind us to share God’s gifts not only with family and friends, but also with those who are suffering during this season because of poverty, the death of a loved one, or wounded relationships. As we begin the final two weeks before Christmas, let us be mindful that “Jesus is the reason for the season,” and glorify our Lord in all that we do to celebrate the holidays.