The Third Sunday of Advent is also called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means "rejoice." This Sunday reminds us that even while we wait, we can be joyful. Advent is a time of hope and preparation. But this week, we pause to smile, sing, and take heart. The readings for this weekend are full of life. Isaiah tells us the desert will bloom. James encourages us to wait with patience. Jesus reminds us of the signs that God's kingdom is near. In these readings there is strength to those who are tired or uncertain.This Sunday we are pointed towards joy. Not because everything is perfect, but because Jesus is near. His coming brings healing, justice, and peace.

Rejoice in the Lord Always, Again I Say Rejoice !!!

Gaudete Sunday or Rejoice Sunday is the Third Sunday of Advent reserved for lighting the one and only liturgical rose-colored candle for the Fruit of the Holy Spirit of JOY.

Each candle of the Advent wreath brings us a new Fruit of the Holy Spirit to learn to live by, and to build our foundation of faith. We have come a long way, building upon Hope, Peace, and now Joy as the pillars that will hold us up and lead us to the final candle of LOVE.

Delving into the Advent Season we find ourselves thinking about the four fruits of the Holy Spirit, as we began with Hope, then continue to move onto Peace, JOY, and Love. Hope and Peace are the cornerstone of the Christian life with all four gifts our foundation. The Advent Wreath really is a great instrument of contemplation, the circle of the wreath reminds us of the pilgrim journey we've undertaken, and that the path of that journey must be illuminated at all times, as we light the candles of the wreath, and become open to the ways God will lead us, if we only stop to pause and listen to Him.

The Second Sunday of Advent leads us to something new. John the Baptist tells the people to repent, to turn around, to get ready because someone greater than he is coming. This greater person will bring the Holy Spirit and fire. We are reminded that real faith shows not so much in our words but in our actions and that we must bear good fruit. We hear about a branch growing from Jesse's stump and this is a sign of hope that shows us God is doing something fresh. Scripture should give us hope because God is faithful in what He promises us and that all people are part of His plan.