Rejoice in the Lord always

     Years ago when I was active in the Charismatic Renewal we often sang a lively song that went like this and was sung in the round:

 "Rejoice in the Lord always,

again I say rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always,

again I say rejoice!

Rejoice!  Rejoice!

Again I say rejoice!

Rejoice!  Rejoice!

Again I say rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always,

… "

     These are the words of the Entrance Antiphon for this Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent.  They set the mood as we await the feast of the Lord's Nativity.  The reason given for rejoicing in the Lord always is simply that "Indeed, the Lord is near."

     Advent is moving fast.  This year has gone by very quickly.  Another decade is almost completed, and I for one could not have imagined welcoming in the year 2020 when I was a child.

     Rejoicing in what is and what could or will be is easier when you are young and full of anticipation and optimism and hope.  It may be easier in older age when our hope and expectation are focused on another dimension of life lived in the eternal glory of God.  However, there are more challenging aspects to rejoicing as we live our day to day existence in this world.  

     To be reminded on this Advent Sunday to rejoice is to be reminded that the coming of Jesus has already graced the world with the messianic promises made through the prophets and is echoed in the Church. The Lord has done great things for us.  We are blessed indeed.  And in that blessing we find it within ourselves to rejoice ... and to share our joy and hope with others.