As we begin this third Sunday of Advent, we notice the Advent wreath has a newly lit rose-colored candle to symbolize “Gaudete” Sunday (pronounced gow-DET-eh). In simplest terms, Gaudete means rejoice. But to explain its significance, let us recall that our Advent scripture readings have focused on our need for repentance and preparation for the arrival of our Lord. We learned to prepare ourselves in three ways during Advent: for the arrival of Christmas day; the second coming of Jesus at a time we do not know (including the day of our own death); and being prepared for Christ’s presence in our everyday lives. On this Sunday, we do not stray from our preparation, but we pause to rejoice and give thanks to God. Our first reading from Isaiah reminds us, “I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul; for he has clothed me in a robe of salvation…”. From today’s Psalm, “My soul rejoices in my God.” And from the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” So today, we take a little break to rejoice, to be glad and to be thankful. We thank God that He sent His only Son for our salvation and opened the gates for each of us to eternal life. This is the “Good News” of the Gospel. Pope Francis, also commenting on Gaudete Sunday, remarked, “Gaudete Sunday is known as the Sunday of Joy, and that instead of fretting about all they still haven’t done to prepare for Christmas, people should think of all the good things life has given you.” Everything we are and everything we have comes from God. Let us truly rejoice and be glad. Let that joy show forth and, like St. John the Baptist, always be a witness to the shining light of Christ.