Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin. Advent is the season of preparing our hearts in penitential reflection for the arrival of the Lord Jesus (both his first coming and his second coming), and by the third Sunday of Advent, we are most of the way through, thus it is appropriate to rejoice as we see “The Lord is near”. It is surely more than feeling mere emotional joy. The goal is a deep, serene, confident and stable joy of the Holy Spirit. Also we need to remember that lasting joy cannot be found in our own pursuits, but only in God. He alone can give us the joy we seek.
Pope John Paul II began the tradition of Bambinelli Sunday during his papacy to remind families about the joyous event of Baby Jesus’ arrival in the manger. On this third Sunday of Advent, all children and families in St Peter’s Parish are invited to bring their Baby Jesus figures to be blessed by the priest at Mass. This Advent tradition is a way for families to connect their Nativity scene at home to the celebration of Christmas at their church. This year is also the 800th anniversary of the first crib created by St Francis in Greccio Italy in 1223. A very special year for the Crib.