Awesome Message - 3rd Sunday of Advent

Our visiting priest yesterday at our evening Mass gave such an inspiring talk about the message of the readings and Gospel. Advent (from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming") is a season observed by Catholics (and other Christian churches). I love to mark the progression of the season with my Advent candle wreath (like the one pictured above)- but it's been misplaced from the move. The theme of readings and teachings during Advent is often to prepare for the Second Coming while commemorating the First Coming of Christ at Christmas.

Our 2nd reading was Phil 4:4-7 and the priest talked about "rejoice".
Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

The priest was quite humorous and wanted to acknowledge the meaning of the term "rejoice". He mentioned that we all have known or met a "happy-go-lucky" person in our lives...you know those people that seem to always be chipper and happy (and annoying). He explained that in this sense the term doesn't necessarily mean to constantly or always be that chipper person - but to rejoice always in our hearts. To be glad and joyful sincerely in our hearts for Christ, always. So even in times of turmoil, always rejoice in your heart. It may be difficult but the choice is ours to rejoice. In the Gospel reading Lk 3:10-18 John says, "one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." So I do rejoice in my heart with thankfulness for the Grace of the Holy Spirit He has given me through His sacraments and continue to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

I just felt like this message I received was worth sharing this on a blog post. :)


This weekend Stephen and I worked on hanging our new LED lights on the new house. Stephen was all excited about the eves and peaks on our roof line and decorating them. But as he was up on the 2nd level he realized it would be quite difficult (and dangerous) to get to some of them - so we improvised a little. Didn't turn out exactly how we envisioned but I'm sure the house will get brighter and brighter in coming years as we add on to the decorations.

P.S. I think I need to start moderating and approving comments left on this blog as I've been receiving a ton of spam comments.