Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. (cf. 1 Thes. 5.16-24)
On this third Sunday of Advent we light three candles and we open our hearts to the joy of the imminent arrival of our Lord on December 25.
We have awakened hope in our hearts and lives, and perceived the light which is our life in God. Today, joy is in the air – the anticipated joy of Christmas. We already hear and see the festive spirit on our radios, televisions, streets and shopping malls. With the liturgies of Advent our hearts are well prepared for “the real reason of the season”: Jesus’ coming into our world.
This past week we celebrated Mary twice: her Immaculate Conception on December 8, and on December 12, Our Lady of Guadalupe, who appeared in Mexico in 1630.
December is truly the month of Mary! Mary expecting the birth of her son, Jesus, the Son of God, is also our mother and continues to watch over us her children. Mary’s Magnificat is truly a song to sing and pray during Advent. “The spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has sent me to bring good news to the poor” (cf. Luke 4.18; Isaiah 61.1). My soul rejoices in my God. (cf. Is 61:10b)
As a prayer this week we can recite the rosary.