REFLECTION
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 14-15, 2019
Think Pink!
Pink Sunday~As a five year old that’s what the third Sunday of Advent meant to me. And as a five year old nothing made me more excited than to see the priest wear my favorite color, and to watch as that elusive pink candle was lit. After mass, we would light our family advent wreath and my dad would quiz my brother, sister and me about what the “pink” stood for – what was special about the day? On one of those occasions, I replied it meant “Happy, Happy; Joy, Joy!”
In those simple words, that’s what the third Sunday of Advent is all about. Known as Gaudete Sunday, today is a day for joy. The name is based on the Latin entrance antiphon for the day which comes from Philippians 4:4,5: “Gaudete in Domino semper” – Rejoice in the Lord always.
But what’s the cause for all the rejoicing? What’s so special about this Sunday?
As any five year old would tell you, there is only one more week until Christmas. We can almost taste it! The big day is nearly here. As kids, that’s a very obvious reason to have great joy. As an adult, it’s a little harder to put into words. Lighting that pink candle means we have a week to prepare, to have everything done, and to brace for the anxieties or pain that may come with the holidays. For many of us, that can instill a sense of panic.
But instead of seeing this Sunday as a trigger for panic mode, think of it as an invitation. We are invited to feel the joy that comes with the season of Advent and the coming season of Christmas. As we light that pink candle, think of a way you can spread joy to others, whether in big or small ways. Share a smile with a neighbor. Say Hello to someone on the street. Spend time as a family. Call an old friend and catch up because in one week, it will almost be here. In one week, we will be ready to celebrate the coming of someone far greater than Santa Claus. We will celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If we could be bursting with excitement over that jolly old elf at age five, surely we can overflow with great joy for our Emmanuel. Whether we are five or ninety-five.
So this Sunday, think pink and spread joy – For He is Coming!
Erin Perkins
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