The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday, or Rejoice Sunday. Turn off the football games; put off that trip to the mall; set aside the Christmas decorations. It's time to "rejoice in the Lord"! (Phil 4:4)

On Christmas, many people receive various articles of clothing as presents: ties, socks, sweaters, and warm winter clothes. Today, God has better clothes to give us: garments of praise. He puts a crown on our heads to cast off grief (Is 61:3). To get us in that Christmas rejoicing spirit, God gives us a shirt of justice and a robe of salvation (Is 61:10). He gives us a winter coat, a "glorious mantle" which gets rid of any "listless spirit" of complacency over Jesus' Christmas coming (Is 61:3). Because it is God Who gives us the garments of praise, everything is just the right size. Our rejoicing clothes are custom-made by God to be a perfect fit. Now, with Mary, we can sing: "My spirit finds joy in God my Savior" (Lk 1:47).

When Jesus comes this Christmas, we must be wearing the right clothes to greet Him. Once Jesus told a parable about the heavenly wedding feast. A man was found who was "not properly dressed" (Mt 22:11). He was cast outside, to wail and grind his teeth for eternity. So, we'll be making noise forever. Will we be wailing in hell or rejoicing in heaven? Decide today. Put on God's clothes and "rejoice heartily in the Lord" (Is 61:10).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 19, 2005

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.