Advent Marches On
This coming Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday (third Sunday of Advent.) It is named after the first word of the Entrance Antiphon at Mass and it means “Rejoice”. It is a time of relief from the penitential aspect of Advent.
The Church is telling us to take a break and focus on our hope for a coming Savior. It is ironic that the first weeks of Advent correspond with the time we seem to be most stressed in trying to “get ready” for Christmas as the world would have us get ready. Shopping, decorating, baking, and all the things we think are important.
By the Third Sunday of Advent, we either think we are so far behind that there is no hope of catching up, or we crank into high gear and make ourselves crazy. Either of these paths tend to lead us further away from the meaning of Advent.
The second reading from James 5:7-10 tells us to “be patient, my brothers, until the coming of the Lord.” If you have been too caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations, take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Advent.
This coming Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday (third Sunday of Advent.) It is named after the first word of the Entrance Antiphon at Mass and it means “Rejoice”. It is a time of relief from the penitential aspect of Advent.
The Church is telling us to take a break and focus on our hope for a coming Savior. It is ironic that the first weeks of Advent correspond with the time we seem to be most stressed in trying to “get ready” for Christmas as the world would have us get ready. Shopping, decorating, baking, and all the things we think are important.
By the Third Sunday of Advent, we either think we are so far behind that there is no hope of catching up, or we crank into high gear and make ourselves crazy. Either of these paths tend to lead us further away from the meaning of Advent.
The second reading from James 5:7-10 tells us to “be patient, my brothers, until the coming of the Lord.” If you have been too caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations, take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Advent.
Sit down and have a cup of coffee with Our Blessed Mother and share her excitement at the impending birth of her Son. As Advent marches on, make sure you are in the parade to Bethlehem to greet your Savior.
3 comments:
I was thinking the same thing. You know, I wonder what our middle ages ancestors would think of all our Christmas prep during Advent. I wish we still kept the older custom of celebrating Christmas during the 12 days of Christmas! Especially the Yule Log tradition (as long as the yule burns, no work for workers!)
I go into a panic when the pink candle is lit and think I have all these things to do. I try to sew an outfit for all our children. I have started but I am not as far along as I hoped to be. If we don't get them all finished I will just have to do them after Christmas.
i get to wear my rose / pink tie ! !
I love it.
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