The focus as we light the third Advent candle is on John the Baptist who tells of the coming of Christ.

This Sunday’s Gospel reading speaks of ‘a feeling of expectancy’.

We are on the cusp of looking expectantly ahead to Christmas

On Monday there is the start of the O Antiphon countdown to Christmas Eve. Tuesday is the Expectation of Mary. 

So at this mid point in Advent, like halfway through Lent, the liturgical colour for vestments and altar frontal is rose or sometimes more like pink.

This third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday,  meaning Rejoice Sunday.

it’s yet another sign of the turning point. But it’s not Christmas yet.