The readings throughout Advent focus our thoughts on Jesus’ first advent, the advent that we are living through today and his final advent that we pray for. All of today’s readings encourage us to rejoice, be happy and prepare for the joy we will find in Jesus Christ. Henri Nouwen, a 20th century theologian tells us that there is a difference between happiness and joy.

Happiness is dependent on external conditions, things that make us feel good. Joy is, however, the experience of knowing that we are unconditionally loved and that nothing, absolutely nothing can ever take that love of God away from us. Thus, joy can even be experienced in the midst of sadness.

Pope Francis said a few years ago that today, Gaudate Sunday (a Sunday for rose vestments and relaxing of the Advent strictures of fasting and penitence) should be a day of joy and he encourages everyone to stop fretting about all

they haven’t yet done to prepare for Christmas and instead to think about all the good things life has given you and the joy that brings. No wonder the reading from St.Paul, this morning calls us to rejoice.

There are many good things in our lives that we can be thankful for, even in the times when life is difficult. If we can begin to see these things they can often give one the strength to go on and to come through times of darkness and pain. It is a bit like when we lose a loved one. The pain is great but we often come through it by remembering the good times we had with them and the things that brought us joy when we were together. Nouwen is right we can find joy even in the depths of despair. It’s hard, but joy is never taken away from us if we look for it and remember it.

In today’s readings; Zephaniah, is reminding the Hebrews in the 7th century BC of the good things God has done for them, despite the difficult times they were living in. He calls them back from worshiping idols to worshipping the living God and he encourages

them to counter corruption and false teaching by remembering the joy they have in God’s love. That too, is as I have said, is exactly what St.Paul is doing in his words to the Philippians; come on he says there are good things in your lives to give thanks for and to be joyful over and they will out weigh the bad. St.Luke, likewise, uses the image of John-the -Baptist to remind his readers that in Christ much is promised and even more is delivered. As such Luke encourages us to share the things we have and to be just to those we have dealings with. Don’t demand more than is owed and from your treasures give to those who have less than you do. That to me is good marketing by our faith to encourage us to give to charities and those who need help. For in doing so we can make others rejoice and experience joy in knowing they are not forgotten.

Rejoice in the Lord, always and in doing so you will remember those things that bring you joy, for those are the things that can never be taken away. Because once God gives them they are ours for eternity. Our God is generous and loving and this Gaudate Sunday reminds us of

that fact. So enjoy today, really enjoy today and give thanks to God for all the good things you have been given.

Rejoice in the Lord, always, again I say rejoice.