Advent Reflections YEAR B: THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
Third Week of Advent: Joy
ADVENT: WEEK 3
The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B is called Gaudete Sunday. The word “Gaudete” means “rejoice”. It reminds us that Christmas is very near. The pink candle on the Advent wreath is lit today as a sign of joy and hope. We are called to pause and be glad, even as we wait for Jesus to come. The readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B speak of joy, freedom, and trust in God’s promises. Isaiah tells us that God sends good news to the poor and heals the brokenhearted. Mary’s song, the Magnificat, overflows with joy for God’s mercy. Paul urges us to rejoice always and give thanks in every situation. In the Gospel, John the Baptist points to the coming of the Light. He reminds us that our joy is found in Jesus, who is near. Gaudete Sunday encourages us to look for signs of God’s goodness in our daily lives and to share that joy with others. As we move closer to Christmas, this Sunday calls us to open our hearts with gladness. God is faithful and keeps His promises. The joy we celebrate today is a glimpse of the joy that will come when Christ is born.
John 1:6-8, 19-28
ADVENT: WEEK 3
There stands among you, unknown to you, the one who is coming after me . There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptising if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptise with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptising.
Gospel Reflection
ADVENT: WEEK 3
In the Gospel of John, this passage introduces John the Baptist as a humble witness to Jesus, the true Light. John’s Gospel centers on belief in Christ as the Word made flesh, who brings life and truth to the world. John the Baptist’s role prepares hearts to receive that revelation. The focus on John’s witness calls us to look toward the coming of Jesus with joy and readiness. His humility shows how faith points beyond self toward the Savior. The Light he foretold shines for all who open their hearts to God. John the Baptist is a model of humility and purpose. He knows who he is and who he is not. He points to Jesus, the true Light, teaching us to focus on Christ rather than ourselves. This humility invites us to be honest about our own role in God’s plan. By reflecting Christ’s light, we help others find their way to Him. We are called to be lights in the world, sharing God’s love and truth. Like John, we can prepare the way for Christ by living with faith and humility. The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B challenges us to be witnesses of Christ’s light. By pointing others to Jesus and living humbly, we spread hope and love. This Advent, we are invited to shine Christ’s light in a world that needs hope.
Questions for Reflection Ho w c a n I p ra c t i c e h u m i l i t y l i k e Jo h n t h e B a p t i s t ? Ho w c a n I b r i n g j o y t o o t h e r s d u r i n g Ad v e n t ? W h e r e d o I s e e G o d ’s l i g h t i n m y l i f e? What changes can I make to live more joyfully?
L o r d , h e l p u s r e j o i c e a s w e w a i t fo r C h r i s t ’s c o m i n g. F i l l o u r h e a r t s w i t h h o p e a n d gr a t i t u d e. G u i d e u s t o r e f l e c t Yo u r l i g h t w i t h h u m i l i ty a n d fa i t h . M ay w e p r e p a r e t h e w ay fo r Je s u s w i t h j o y a n d l o v e. Am e n .
ADVENT: WEEK 3