Why is the Third Week of Advent Special and How to Celebrate It?

Scripture Reading: John 1:6-8, 19-28 “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.’"

Reflection:

The Third Sunday of Advent is often called Gaudete Sunday (from the Latin word for "rejoice"), marking a shift in the season from waiting and longing to a note of joyful anticipation. Today, we focus on John the Baptist, the forerunner who heralds the coming of the Messiah. His role in the Advent story is not to draw attention to himself, but to point to the true Light, Jesus Christ.

John’s testimony in today’s passage is clear: “I am not the Messiah,” he says. When the religious leaders press him, asking if he is Elijah or the Prophet, he denies it all. John’s answer is simple yet profound: "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord.'" He is not the Savior; he is merely the messenger. His mission is to prepare the people for the coming of the Christ, to ready their hearts for the Savior who will bring light into the world.

This passage challenges us to reflect on our own roles in the story of Advent. Like John, we are called to testify to the light of Christ, not to elevate ourselves but to point to Him. Advent is a season where we, too, prepare the way of the Lord in our own hearts and in the lives of those around us. Are we humbling ourselves in preparation for Christ's coming? Are we making room for Him to shine in us and through us?

John’s humility is a key aspect of this preparation. He is not interested in fame, status, or recognition. He knows that his role is to serve the One who is coming after him. In our culture, we are often tempted to seek our own recognition, to make a name for ourselves. But the true message of Advent is that we must decrease, so that Christ may increase in our lives. The more we make space for Him, the more His light can shine through us.

As we light the third candle of Advent, we celebrate the joy of knowing that the Savior is near. It is a joy that comes not from earthly circumstances but from the promise of Christ’s presence among us. Just as John joyfully pointed to the Light, we are called to do the same: to live in a way that reflects the joy of Christ’s coming and to share that joy with others.

A Prayer for the Third Sunday of Advent:

Lord Jesus, On this joyful Sunday of Advent, we rejoice in the nearness of Your coming. Like John the Baptist, we seek to prepare the way for You in our hearts and in our world. Help us to humble ourselves and point others to You, the true Light of the world. Clear away the distractions, pride, and sin that keep us from fully receiving You. May our lives reflect Your love, grace, and truth, and may we be faithful witnesses to Your coming. As we await Your return, fill us with joy and peace, knowing that You are with us now and will come again in glory. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Action Step for the Week:

Take time this week to reflect on the ways you can "prepare the way" for Christ in your life. How can you make space for Him in your heart, in your relationships, and in your daily actions? Look for opportunities to point others to Jesus, whether through acts of service, words of encouragement, or simply by being a light in a dark world.