This Sunday, the third of Advent, is traditionally known as Gaudete (GowDAYtay) Sunday. The name “Gaudete” means “rejoice” and comes from the first reading of the day. Where as the other Sundays of Advent readings have a more cautionary tone to them, warning to be ready for the Lord’s coming, this Sunday pauses to recognize the joy that should be present in our hearts at the realization that the Lord is near. This life is full of many events and experiences that cause us to focus on the troubles, trials and temptations occurring around day to day. We need to pause and redirect our attention to eternity. At all times, the Lord is near, in small hidden ways that are easy to miss, just like his first coming. He came to an obscure couple, in a stable, in a small town at night. You and I are obscure people in the world, our lives are a small town of events and, unfortunately, our hearts are little more than a manger in a stable, but he still comes. HE comes to your heart and there HE rests. So, behold the wonder and rejoice. Yours in Christ our Lord, Fr. Sid