(Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons Domenico Ghirlandaio – Preaching of St. John the Baptist)

By Lisa Polk

The Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, is a special moment in the liturgical season where we are called to rejoice as we draw closer to the celebration of Christ’s birth. The word “Gaudete” means “rejoice” in Latin, and the theme of joy is woven through this Sunday’s readings. This joy is not fleeting happiness, as society often seeks, but a deep and enduring joy rooted in God’s promises and presence.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reflecting on the theme of joy and how it differs from happiness. Recently, while driving and listening to Christmas music, I heard Winter Wonderland/Don’t Worry Be Happy by Pentatonix. The song made me think about how releasing worry is easy to say but hard to do. This struggle resonates deeply during Advent, a season that invites us to trust in God’s faithfulness amid waiting and uncertainty.

The first reading from Zephaniah sets the tone for this joy. The prophet calls Jerusalem to “sing aloud” and “rejoice with all your heart” because “the Lord is in your midst.” This joy is not based on perfect circumstances but on the assurance of God’s presence and His promise to save. Zephaniah paints a picture of restoration and love, reminding us that true joy comes from knowing we are deeply loved by God, who is with us in all things.

The responsorial psalm continues the theme of joy: “Shout aloud and sing for joy, great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel”. Isaiah invites us to draw deeply from the wells of salvation, proclaiming God’s deeds and trusting in His strength. This joy flows not from fleeting pleasures but from the confidence that God’s promises are steadfast and His love unfailing.

In Philippians, St. Paul commands, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” Paul writes these words from prison, emphasizing that joy is not tied to external circumstances but to an inner peace grounded in God’s presence. He continues, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” This call to release worry and rest in God’s peace reminds us that joy comes from trusting in His providence.

Finally, the Gospel from Luke provides practical insight into how we prepare for this joy. John the Baptist calls the people to repentance and justice, urging them to share with those in need, act with integrity, and live lives of generosity. His message is not about surface-level happiness but about turning our lives toward God so we can fully receive His joy. John’s bold proclamation of the coming Messiah invites us to shift our focus from ourselves to Christ, who will baptize us “with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

In a culture obsessed with instant gratification and the pursuit of happiness, these readings challenge us to seek something deeper. Society often equates happiness with comfort, possessions, or success, but these things are fleeting. Christian joy, on the other hand, is a gift of the Holy Spirit, rooted in the assurance of God’s love and the hope of salvation.

As I reflect on the song I heard in the car, I am reminded that choosing joy over worry is a daily decision—one that requires trust and surrender. Advent is a time to practice this trust, allowing God’s presence to fill the places of fear and anxiety in our hearts. The joy we are called to on Gaudete Sunday is not a denial of life’s challenges but a recognition that Emmanuel—God with us—is near, and His love transforms everything.

Let us embrace this joy, not as something dependent on fleeting circumstances but as a deep and abiding trust in God’s promises. As Zephaniah says, “The Lord, your God, is in your midst… He will rejoice over you with gladness.” Don’t worry about the pressures of this world; instead, be joyful in the knowledge that Christ is coming to bring peace, healing, and salvation. Releasing worry is hard for me, but when I turn to God, I discover a joy that sustains me through all things.