Tag: Christmas Preparation

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Third Sunday of Advent: A Celebration of Joyful Waiting

allycaralgoa

Written by Nikita Volvoikar

On this Third Sunday of Advent, the Church pauses its penitential tone to rejoice in hope and joyful expectation. Known as Gaudete Sunday, the day marks a turning point in the Advent journey as Christmas draws closer.

The liturgical colour shifts from violet to rose, symbolising joy, encouragement, and renewed hope. This “brightening” of violet reminds the faithful that the long-awaited celebration of Christ’s birth is near, even as the season of waiting continues.

Advent is not merely about waiting—it is about waiting with confidence. Reflecting this spirit, Pope Leo, in his homily today, described Gaudete Sunday as “the Sunday of joy,” reminding the faithful of the bright side of anticipation. He noted that this day calls believers to trust that “something beautiful, something joyful will happen.”

In a world often burdened by anxiety, uncertainty, and unrest, Gaudete Sunday offers a powerful reminder that Christian hope is rooted in joy. It invites families and communities to pause, reflect, and rediscover the promise of God’s love revealed in the coming of Jesus Christ.

As the Advent wreath now shines brighter, the rose candle serves as a gentle reminder that light is overcoming darkness. The faithful are encouraged to embrace this joy—not as fleeting happiness, but as a deep assurance that God is at work, even in times of waiting.

With hearts lifted in hope, the Third Sunday of Advent calls us to rejoice, trust, and prepare ourselves spiritually for the celebration of Christmas.

Special Occasion

First Sunday of Advent – 30th November 2025: A Season of Hope Began

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Nikita Volvoikar

On 30th November 2025, the Catholic Church began the season of Advent, inviting the faithful into a time of reflection, anticipation, and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent called us to slow down and ready our hearts spiritually, guiding us through its themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.

The First Sunday of Advent focused on Hope. The pastoral message of the year, “Hope does not disappoint,” echoed profoundly as we reflected on where we placed our trust. True hope was found in Christ Jesus, and as the first candle was lit on that day, its warm glow symbolised the unshakable hope we carried through Him. No matter the trials or uncertainties we faced, hope in Christ remained firm and reassuring.

The day encouraged us to trust God more deeply, to stay positive despite challenges, and to believe that brighter days were ahead. Advent reminded us that God continued to work even in our waiting and that His promises were always faithful and true. As we entered the Advent season on 30th November 2025, we were called not to lose hope or become discouraged. Instead, we were invited to pray, to believe, and to trust that God was preparing greater blessings for us.

The First Sunday of Advent became a moment of renewal — a time when our hearts were lifted, our faith strengthened, and our hope restored. It marked the beginning of a sacred journey toward Christmas, filled with expectation and the promise of God’s enduring love.