This Sunday, we rejoice, for the Lord is near! The name “Gaudete Sunday” comes from the Entrance Antiphon, “Rejoice in the Lord always!” In Latin, that is: “Gaudete in Domino semper!”
This week, the liturgies of the Church shift in focus. They have been focusing us on preparation with a view to the Second Coming of Christ, but beginning on December 17, they focus us on preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ. The Gospels recount the narrative of Christ’s birth. At Vespers, for over a thousand years, the magnificent “O Antiphons” have been proclaimed starting December 17. These remind us of some of Christ’s titles: Wisdom, Adonai (Lord), Root of Jesse, Key of David, Dawn of the East, King of Nations, and Emmanuel (God-With-Us). The song “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is based on these.
In these final days of joyful preparation for the celebration of the Christmas mysteries, I want to take this last chance to invite you to join us December 16-18 for our Advent Parish Mission and Advent Penance Service. It is easy to lose track of the meaning for this season of Advent among the many festivities and preparations, and this short mission will, I hope, help you to recenter your heart on what truly matters: Christ has come to save us, and we celebrate his arrival on Christmas Day!