The good news of redemption through Jesus as the Messiah brings joy to people suffering in our sinful society.
In the liturgical calendar of Western Christianity, the Third Sunday of Advent (which falls on December 15) is also known as Gaudete Sunday. Western Christianity includes the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, Lutheran churches, and other mainline Protestant churches.
Gaudete, in Latin, means “Rejoice.” Rejoice is the first word in Philippians 4:4–7:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
The liturgical celebration throughout Advent is centered on the spirit of penitential exercises. However, on this Third Sunday, the penitent act is suspended for a while to symbolize the joy and gladness brought by the promised Redemption, which has already come with the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
The candle of the Third Sunday is pink or rose to symbolize the people’s joy. Joy itself is not a virtue but an effect of the virtue of charity (“love”), which is most complete when its object is eternal and supreme, like the Lord God. Joy is different from happiness. Happiness usually describes a feeling based on external circumstances, but joy has a deeper meaning. It is deeply rooted in faith and the assurance of God’s presence, regardless of what is happening around His people.
The joy of the Third Sunday in Advent reminds Christians that true joy is found in the promises and coming of Christ. This lasting joy provides comfort and strength even during suffering and struggle. The Letter of James describes this reality:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2).
The desire for joy and happiness is universal. It is one of the deepest desires of every human being. A right relationship with God and His people must bear the fruit of joy, particularly for those who work for justice and peace.
Joy is not just a feeling but a practice. It becomes more meaningful when someone translates it into acts of giving as an expression of the abundance of God’s gifts. Engaging in acts of service, such as helping neighbors in need or caring for God’s creation by educating people about the hazards of pollution during merry-making, makes joy more significant.
In this Sunday’s Gospel reading (Luke 3:7-18), John the Baptist joyfully announced to the people that he was not the Messiah. Instead, he said:
“I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Luke 3:16-17).
Though John became popular in the eyes of the people, he gave all glory to Jesus, the One mightier than him.
John had many reasons to be joyful and proud. Jesus is the Lord who redeems the people of God from a sinful world. When Jesus began His ministry, as described in Luke 4:18-21, He said:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him. He began by saying to them, “Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Jesus “will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” John explained that the Messiah would come with a different baptism. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was promised as part of the New Covenant. Jesus said,
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16-17).
The Messiah will transform the world. He will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, which signifies destroying the bad and fully purifying the good. God’s power is always transforming and purifying—a source of true joy.
Joy is one of the highest and holiest experiences of human life. It has been defined as the response we have to being united with what we love. The journey toward a desired destination brings joy. The arrival of a child at the end of pregnancy brings joy. Freedom after incarceration brings joy.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2).
People, especially the poor and marginalized, often feel anger due to the massive corruption in society. Losing a job, strained relationships at home, and pressures at work bring great difficulties and challenges. We also suffer when we or our loved ones fall ill. The heart-wrenching pain of persecution remains a harsh reality in our world.
James urges us to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials and struggles. Trials and suffering in the lives of believers produce a stronger, deeper-rooted faith. As Peter explains, faith is more valuable than gold (1 Peter 1:7).
When we view our struggles from this perspective, we can understand how activism becomes worthy and meaningful in our lives.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4–7).
Lord, thank You that through Your Holy Spirit, we may experience joy amid struggles as the challenges in life bring us into a deeper relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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