Third Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday



Welcome to the 3rd Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday! Time to light that rose candle in the Advent wreath.

Gaudete is a Latin word which means, "Rejoice" & on this today, we are called to rejoice in the hope our Lord brings for us. We rejoice that God loved us so much that He sent His only Song to redeem us from Original Sin. We rejoice that Mary said yes to God's call to carry & give birth to His Son. We rejoice in anticipation of Jesus' humble birth.

Our readings today encourage us to rejoice in all circumstances, no matter what they may be. We, who trust & hope in our Lord, know that He has an amazing plan for each of our lives & even in times of trial & tribulation, He is there working for & with us. 

The 1st reading from Zephaniah tells us, "The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love...." Paul's Letter to the Philippians in the 2nd reading tells us to "Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: Rejoice!" And Luke's Gospel, while he doesn't mention the word, "rejoice", does give us encouragement through the teachings of John the Baptist. The people thought, from his wonderful teachings, that he might be the Christ. However, to hear that the one to come after him would do things much greater than he gave them cause to rejoice, anticipating the coming of their Savior. 

Towards the end of 2013, the word, "Rejoice" & Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: Rejoice!" appeared to me through numerous times & became my focus for the upcoming year. Leading up to the new year, I found cause to return to the verse in various circumstances & truly put Paul's admonition into practice. Several things happened which were frustrating & inconvenient, yet when I looked back, I saw God's Hand in them. (ex. My husband's car alternator went out & he was able to safely arrive in a restaurant parking lot. God kept him safe from getting stuck in heavy traffic or a major accident.) 

Throughout 2014, I frequently referred to Philippians 4:4. Whenever setbacks or problems occurred, I just said, "Rejoice in the Lord always!" & tried to find the good in each circumstance. It truly kept me grounded in my faith & trust in God's plan! Even these days, I occasionally find myself "Rejoicing in the Lord always!"

Take some time over this next week to see where God was in various trials you've had in your own life. Rejoice with Him & give Him thanks for being there for you. 

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