Today is Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of rejoicing, the midpoint of Advent. Our preparation is half-over, and we are getting close to Christmas. Father wears a rose vestment, and the rose / pink candle is lit on the Advent wreath. Lighting this third candle symbolizes the expectation and hope surrounding our Lord’s first coming into the world and the anticipation of his second coming to judge the living and the dead.

This coming Saturday, Dec. 17 through Friday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m., we have our Maranatha Novena. This half-hour of quiet, prayer, and song is a beautiful way to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ on Christmas. I encourage you to take the time out of your busy schedules to attend at least one of these evening novenas.