Third Sunday – Candle of Joy

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, Rejoice. Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation, a time of longing for the arrival of our Savior. The third week of Advent, marked by Gaudete Sunday, is a call to rejoice as we draw nearer to the celebration of Christmas. The joy we experience during this time is a profound spiritual reality rooted in the presence of God and the hope of salvation. The Bible repeatedly calls us to a joy that transcends circumstances, anchored in the nearness of the Lord. The prophet Isaiah exclaims, “ I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10). This passage reminds us that true joy is born from the assurance of salvation and the intimate relationship we share with God.

The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his letter to the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Paul’s call to rejoice is grounded in the closeness of Christ, a reassurance that dispels fear and fills our hearts with hope. Mary’s Magnificat in the Gospel of Luke is a profound expression of joy in the Lord’s promises: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). Her words reveal the joy that arises from trusting in God’s plan, even amidst uncertainty, as she embraces her role in the salvation of humanity.

In his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Pope Francis declares: “The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness, and loneliness.” For Pope Francis, Christian joy must be shared, especially with those on the peripheries of society. It is a joy that compels us to engage in acts of love, justice, and compassion, reflecting the light of Christ in a world that often feels engulfed in darkness.

In this third week of Advent, the light of joy grows brighter as we journey as pilgrims of hope in this Jubilee Year, 2025. Our hearts rejoice in the nearness of Christ, the source of true and abiding joy. Like Mary, we magnify the Lord for His faithfulness, embracing the hope of His promises. This joy calls us radiant witnesses of love, spreading light to a world longing for peace. As we await Emmanuel, may our lives reflect the jubilation of God’s saving grace. Rejoice, for the Lord is near, and His hope transforms everything!

Lighting of the Candle

As we light the rose candle of the Advent wreath, may our hearts be filled with the light of Christ, dispelling all darkness. Let us, like Mary, magnify the Lord with joyful hearts and proclaim His greatness through our words and deeds. In this joy, we become true heralds of the Gospel, bearing witness to the love, hope, and salvation found in Christ alone.

Scripture Reading (Philippians 4:4-5)

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice. The Lord is near.“

Reflection

To “rejoice always” is to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, recognizing God’s hand in every moment of our lives, even amid trials and uncertainty. The nearness of the Lord assures us that we are not alone. It is a call to trust in His promises and to live with hope, knowing that He is actively working for our good. Rejoicing also transforms our perspective, helping us to focus on what is eternal rather than temporary. We need to begin and end each day by thanking God for His blessings. Living in this spirit of joy reminds us that the Lord’s closeness empowers us to face life with courage, peace, and a heart full of hope by trusting In God’s Providence and spreading joy in our interactions by being kind, encouraging, and compassionate.

Concluding Prayer

Loving God, we rejoice in Your unfailing love and the gift of salvation that fills our hearts with joy. In this Jubilee Year, guide us as pilgrims of hope, journeying together in faith and trust. May our lives radiate the joy of Your presence, drawing others to Your light. Strengthen us to share Your hope and love with all we encounter. Lord, we await Your coming with hearts full of gratitude and joy. Amen.