Traditionally this Third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday, the word Gaudete meaning rejoice and is the opening word of the Latin version of today’s Entrance Antiphon. We are more or less half way through the season. But the origins of this text can be found in the second reading that we shall hear today: ‘Rejoice in the Lord’ is restored in our new translation instead of ‘Be happy in the Lord’ which we have heard for over 40 years. The cause of our joy is Christ and Christ alone. When we say ‘The Lord is near’ it does not a reference to Christmas; instead it is a reminder that Christ is always being enfleshed in our midst. So, today, rejoice!
