Third Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday

Gaudete in Domino semper.

Rejoice in the Lord always.

Today, the third Sunday of Advent, the Catholic Church celebrates Gaudete Sunday, one of two “joyful” Sundays in our liturgical year.  

Halfway through the Advent season, it is today's second reading that gives me much to think about, and plenty to work on. 

“Rejoice always.  Pray without ceasing.  In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.  Do not quench the Spirit.  Do not despise prophetic utterances.  Test everything, retain what is good.  Refrain from every kind of evil.”  2 Thessalonians (16 – 22)

Wishing you a Joyful Advent Season 

                            Lynn's Timeless Treasures

Third Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday

Third Sunday of Advent
Gaudete Sunday

The Catholic Church celebrates two “joyful” Sundays: today, the third Sunday of Advent or Guadete, Latin for “rejoice” and the fourth Sunday of Lent or Laetare, also Latin for “rejoice.”

The events at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut this past week make it difficult to find joy this Gaudete Sunday. But with "God all things are possible."  (Matthew 19:26) Please continue to pray for our nation and all those who were affected in any way by this tragedy, - that God will give us peace, guidance and comfort during this period of mourning.   

Then take a moment to thank God for all that He provides us - His goodness, His mercy, His love, His hope and yes, His joy. 

Watch as 100 people from
Valles Symphony Orchestra,
The Lieder, Amics de l'Opera and The
Coral Belles Arts Choir perform
part of Beethoven's Ninth, Ode to Joy
and simply "Shout for joy to the Lord." Psalm 98:4

  Wishing you Peace, Comfort, Hope and Joy this Gaudete Sunday
Light the third candle of your Advent Wreath

Third Sunday of Advent – Rejoice Gaudete Sunday

Third Sunday of Advent
Rejoice Gaudete Sunday  

Gaudete in Domino valde (Rejoice heartily in the Lord). Today, the third Sunday of Advent is one of two “joyful” Sundays in the liturgical year, and having passed the midpoint of Advent the Church puts aside her purple vestments for rose. This change in color lightens our mood as we continue our spiritual preparation for Christmas.  

 

Guadete Sunday

3rd Sunday of Advent

Gaudete Sunday

The Catholic Church celebrates two “joyful” Sundays: today, the third Sunday of Advent or Guadete, Latin for “rejoice” and the fourth Sunday of Lent or Laetare, also Latin for “rejoice.” Today’s readings are truly filled with joy reminding us that religion does not always have to be somber in fact the NAB uses the word joy, 219 times while words to describe sadness or somber are used only 24 times.

So as we continue to wait for the Nativity of Our Lord, “Shout with joy…be glad and exult with all your heart.” (Zephaniah 3:14) “Rejoice...The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:4-5) And be wary not to be mislead, but always to follow the right lead as we are reminded by John the Baptist in today's Gospel, who always points us to Christ.

First Reading Book of the Prophet Zephaniah 3:14-18

Responsorial Psalm cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy one of Israel

Second Reading Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians 4:4-7

Gospel According to Luke 3:10-18