Today is "Gaudete Sunday" or "Rejoice Sunday." We are rejoicing because Jesus is real and Christmas is real. We will receive Jesus' love in an ever deeper way this Christmas season, which will begin in just twelve days. Christmas is not just a holiday when we engage in various customs and ceremonies. Christmas is not merely recalling the past but experiencing Jesus' love in the present.
Therefore, we can hardly help but "shout for joy" and "sing joyfully" (Zep 3:14). We are "glad and exult with all" our hearts (Zep 3:14). Considering the reality of Christmas, we must "rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again. Rejoice!" (Phil 4:4)
The Lord Himself does not just observe our joy but rejoices with us. "The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty Savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals" (Zep 3:17-18). In fact, we can rejoice with Jesus' joy (Jn 15:11). We can have "complete" joy (Jn 15:11), which no one can take from us (Jn 16:22). The rejoicing in our lives and even in our cities can rise to fever pitch (Acts 8:8).
Happy "Rejoice Sunday"!
| PRAYER: | Father, give me Your divine joy. |
| PROMISE: | "He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire." –Lk 3:16 |
| PRAISE: | Praise the risen Jesus Who not only awaits our arrival in heaven, but rejoices with us right now! Alleluia! We rejoice in You, Jesus, and exalt Your holy name. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College