The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the JOY that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent.

"And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people (Luke 2:10)."

This third week focuses our intention on joy. Joy is a very real and deep happiness that is rooted in faith and trust. In this third week of Advent, we pause and reflect on the first half of the season, as well as look ahead to the last weeks. The joy that we have and will experience during this season magnifies as we continue to prepare for the coming of Christ, who is full of joy.

When Mary went to visit Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist, the baby in her womb leapt for joy in the presence of Mary, who was pregnant with the Christ child. We should be leaping for joy as we celebrate the birth of our Savoir and anticipate with expectancy His second coming. We should anticipate and expect with joy this second coming with the same faith and resolve as Simeon and Anna did at the Temple when Jesus was presented there to complete Mary's purification and to redeem Him as the firstborn son.

Let us all hold on to our faith with great joy as we wait for Jesus' second coming and our redemption.