When was the last time you excitedly waited for something?
When you felt like a kid again waiting for Christmas?
I grew up in a house with a fireplace. I loved it.
I always wanted to help my Dad crumple up newspaper and shove it in before he put the wood in.
I loved the crackling sounds and the warmth it gave.
I loved the cozy feeling at night when it was burning.

This coming Sunday we light the pink candle on our Advent Wreath – it’s Gaudete or Joyful Sunday of Advent.
Why are we joyful as we wait?
Because Christmas is coming!
We will celebrate Jesus’ birth.
We celebrate Jesus’ presence with us now, especially receiving Him in the Eucharist every time we go to Mass.
And we celebrate eternal life with Him that is to come.

Rejoice always.
Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This week as we head towards the Joyful Sunday of Advent, let’s remember that waiting in excitement we experienced as a kid waiting for Christmas. How can we experience that now?
Let these words of Saint Paul in this coming Sunday’s Second Reading show us how.

Families in Elementary Faith Formation, be sure to light two purple candles and on Sunday the pink candle of your Advent Wreath. Pray the prayers for the Third Week of Advent together.

Feel the joyful excitement in waiting for Christmas!

Blessings of Joyful Waiting!