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Writer's pictureMaria Knox

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 15, 2024


Reading I Zep 3:14-18a


Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!        

Sing joyfully, O Israel!    

Be glad and exult with all your heart,        

O daughter Jerusalem!    

The LORD has removed the judgment against you        

he has turned away your enemies;    

the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,        

you have no further misfortune to fear.    

On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:        

Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!    

The LORD, your God, is in your midst,        

a mighty savior;    

he will rejoice over you with gladness,        

and renew you in his love,    

he will sing joyfully because of you,        

as one sings at festivals.


REFLECTION:

"Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel!"


Rejoice! It is Gaudete Sunday!!!


Christmas is almost here. There are festivals and gatherings. Lights and music. If we allow it, we will be filled with joy from the expectation of Christ's upcoming birthday.


During the Advent season we celebrate many joyful feast days that give us a taste of the joy that the birth of Christ will bring: St. Nicholas, the Immaculate Conception, St. Juan Diego, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Lucy, etc. Little by little the anticipation of Christmas starts filling our hearts, minds, and whole life in general.


We become more generous and donate to distinct charities. We wrap end of year projects at work, and participate in midterm activities with our children. Spend time writing notes to people we haven't talked to in a while, or phone them to let them know they are loved.


The pink candle in our Advent wreaths symbolize joy. The joy that comes through Jesus' arrival and the salvation He has gifted to us.


Imagine a very pregnant Virgin Mary, just a mere weeks to give birth. Let us share in her rejoicing and hope for the birth of her child. And what the birth of this little baby means in our lives. I truly hope we all can hold on to this hope, peace, love, and joy throughout the upcoming year.


Happy Gaudete Sunday! God bless y'all!



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