3rd Sunday of Advent

Gospel – Luke3:10-18

Let’s Get Excited!

Manger Scene, Basilica of Annunciation, Nazareth

You know that feeling back when you were little and Christmas was getting closer and closer and you just couldn’t contain your excitement.  You probably drove your parents crazy – how many days til Christmas???  It was almost like you were a living breathing Energizer Bunny with all that pent up energy!  That’s what today is all about!

As we continue through the Season of Advent and prepare for Christmas, many of the Gospels of the day focus on John the Baptist and today is no exception.  John reminds the people – I am NOT the One!  The One who is coming after me is mightier than I and I am not even worthy to loosen the thongs of His sandal. I baptize with mere water.  He will baptize with the Spirit.  As excited as the people are with John, he reminds them that someone even better is coming!  Now that is something to get excited about!

We celebrate today the 3rd Sunday of Advent,.  We are a little over half-way along our journey of preparation and vigilance and prayer to the joy of Christmas!  This should be a moment of utter Joy, a moment to pause and let that joy burst out!!  That is why today is called Gaudete Sunday – rejoice!  That is why we light a rose-colored candle, unlike the purple.  The coming of the Savior is so close that we can’t contain our joy!  It is a joy that permeates our entire being!

Is it any wonder then that today’s express that burst of joy. 

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
        Sing joyfully, O Israel!
    Be glad and exult with all your heart,
        O daughter Jerusalem!

Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Brothers and sisters:
Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again:  rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all.
The Lord is near.

So let’s get excited!  On this 3rd Sunday of Advent – we are people of hope! We are people of anticipation! We are people of joy as we prepare for the coming of the Savior!

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