Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

     There are only ten days until Christmas! This third Sunday of Advent is called “Gaudete” Sunday. There are two times we can observe the liturgical color, rose on Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent), and on Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent). Both Gaudete and Laetare terms can be translated “rejoice.” We light the rose candle in the Advent wreath on this Sunday. In the midst of our Advent preparations we anticipate Jesus’ coming joyfully. The theme of joy rings out in the Scripture passages for today’s Mass. Therefore, we should rejoice and be glad in preparing the way of the Lord.
     Christmas brings many opportunities to rejoice. Being with family and friends brings joy to heart and home. Parties and special meals are part of having a good time with some wine to lift the spirits. Music and dancing certainly help. And Christmas would not be Christmas without gifts given and received. Could all of this have something to do with “rejoicing in the Lord?” Most certainly, if all of this is centered in God and in Christian family values. If first of all, we celebrate the Eucharist around the altar of the Lord and kneel before the newborn Jesus, placing our hearts before him as our Lord and Savior. Then all the other good things of life, as gifts from God, take on eternal value that brings joy.
     On this third Sunday of Advent, the Church reminds us that the joy of God is a power that gives us hope. We are called to “Rejoice always.” This is a simple and short sentence. Let us always rejoice in the gifts that we have received from the Lord. We offer our love and gratitude to our Baby Jesus who will come on this Christmas day. The Lord is here with us. Let us always give thanks for the simple things that make life beautiful. We share Christmas gifts with one another. Be kind to one another and always treat other people in the same way you want to be treated. Don’t forget it is the season of smiling, you always feel better with a smile. There is no reason to be sad. This is the joy and beauty of the Advent Season.