Sunday, December 13, 2026 · Year B
Third Sunday of Advent
Rejoice always
Gaudete Sunday: the Lord is near, so rejoice. Isaiah announces good news for the poor, Mary sings her Magnificat, and John the Baptist insists he is not the light, only a witness to it.
The Readings
- First Reading Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11
- Responsorial Psalm Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54
- Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
- Gospel John 1:6-8, 19-28
Open the readings on USCCB.org →
First Reading Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11
The Spirit of the Lord anoints his servant to bring good news to the poor and freedom to captives.
Psalm Luke 1:46-54
Mary's song: my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, who has looked upon his lowly servant.
Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in everything. God is faithful.
Gospel John 1:6-8, 19-28
John says he is not the Christ, only a voice in the desert preparing the way for the One among them.
Step Into the Story
Isaiah 61 comes from after the exile. Its "year of favor" recalls the Jubilee of Leviticus 25, when debts were forgiven and captives set free. Jesus later read these very words in the synagogue of Nazareth and told his neighbors they were fulfilled in him (Luke 4).
In the Gospel, priests and Levites from Jerusalem question John at Bethany across the Jordan. Is he the Messiah? Elijah? The Prophet? John humbly says no; he is only a voice preparing the way. Gaudete Sunday takes its name from the first word of today's Latin entrance antiphon, "Rejoice!", which is why the rose candle is lit and rose vestments may be worn.
Meet Christ
Stand on the bank of the Jordan as the officials from Jerusalem fire their questions. Are you the Christ? Elijah? The Prophet? John answers no, no and no. He is only a voice. And yet there is joy in his answer, the joy of the best man who hears the bridegroom coming.
Today the Church tells us to rejoice, because Jesus is near. His heart is the heart of Isaiah 61: good news to the poor, healing for the brokenhearted, freedom for captives. Christian joy does not depend on everything going well. It depends on who is coming.
This week, live Paul's three commands for one full day: rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances. Before bed, write down five gifts from God that day.
The Church Teaches
- 114·the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus
- 127·the Church, Bride of Christ
- 311·the fruits of the Holy Spirit
Christian Joy
God never ceases to call every person to seek him and so find life and happiness (CCC 30). Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1832).
The Anointed Messiah
Jesus begins his preaching by making his own today's passage: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me" (CCC 714).
Giving Thanks in All Things
Every joy and need can become matter for thanksgiving (CCC 2648). Tonight, write down five things you thank God for.
Journal Prompts
What is robbing me of joy right now? Have I brought it to God?
Like John, do I point to Christ, or do I want people to look at me?
What would it look like to give thanks in this circumstance?
When did I last feel God's joy? What was I doing?
Talk to God
Lord, You are near. Fill me with Your joy, teach me to give thanks in all things, and let my life point to You. Amen.