Choose Joy: The Saints Have; Reflection for 3rd Sunday of Advent and Six Action Items for Week 3

It’s Gaudete Sunday. We have made it to the third week of Advent. Christmas is getting closer. The pink candle is lit along with the ones representing the themes of hope and peace. Soon, we will hear the Advent O Antiphons leading up to Christmas Eve.

Every time I think of Gaudete (Rejoice! In Latin) Sunday, it gives joy in my heart to know that Christ is closer than I will ever realize.

St. Paul reminds us, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near. (Philippians 4:4-5). We have reached the halfway point of our journey. He is near. Let us continue to prepare for his coming.

For the third week, we hear of the theme of rejoicing. Here are six ways

Go To Confession

Have you gotten your spiritual house in order? Now would be a good time to get to confession. Many churches will be offering additional penance services from now until Christmas Eve. Take advantage of it.

Watch a Faith Christmas Movie

One of my favorite things to do as we get closer to Christmas is to watch a Holiday classic that ages like fine wine. No offense but Hallmark needs to come up with original material as we need more of it for a new generation of movie fans.  Some suggestions are It’s a Wonderful Life, Charlie Brown’s Christmas, The Star, and Home Alone.

St. Boniface

Thanks to a great saint in the church we have the Christmas tree. Read his story about the first Christmas tree near a lit one in your home.

Read Luke 3:10-18

While reading this page, ponder some questions on how he would’ve lived and acted in today’s world.

House of Bread

Bethlehem literally means “House of Bread.” What better way to celebrate the third week than to bake or purchase a loaf as a reminder of where Jesus was born.

Bring a Poinsettia to a Nursing Home

Those living in a nursing home or who are imprisoned at home due to a health condition could use a boost of faith. Deliver a poinsettia to a loved one or neighbor.

St. Caesarius pleaded, “O Lord, with what joy and exultation shall we describe the benefits of such great goodness? What more is there that we who are sick might ask than what you have offered of your own accord to those who did not deserve it?”

Let’s navigate the third week with joy in our hearts as Christ is the reason we celebrate Christmas.