Gaudete! Rejoice!

The season of Advent is a season full of traditions, from decorating our home and visiting special places. By intentionally taking time to prepare ourselves before the nativity of Christ, we are preparing to fully experience the joy once the day arrives. The color purple reminds us of the penitential nature of the season, focusing on the waiting and preparing. 

Yet today, the third Sunday of Advent, we light a rose candle instead of purple. Today we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, when the church is telling us to rejoice. But wait! You may think it is strange to rejoice and celebrate before the nativity. Why do we interrupt our waiting to celebrate? We remember that there is hope and joy in the waiting. We are excited for what is to come and we briefly celebrate today on our waiting journey.

Today’s second reading from James emphasizes the idea of patience in waiting. We are told to “make [our] hearts firm because the coming of the Lord is at hand.” Christmas is coming soon. We have prophets and angelic messengers to tell us, but waiting is hard. Christ knows this. We cry out today in Psalm 146: Lord, come and save us. Soon and very soon it will be Christmas Day. We will celebrate with triumphant music and our churches will be filled with festive decorations. 

The nativity is not here yet. We are still waiting. But today we pause, light the rose candle, and take a brief moment to celebrate that the day of anticipation is almost here.