We are now halfway through the season of Advent and this Sunday is called “Gaudette” Sunday, the Sunday to rejoice that the celebrating of the coming of our Lord in human flesh is near. St. Paul tells us to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in all circumstances give thanks. As St. John the Baptist was baptizing people with water for their repentance of sin, he was preparing them to encounter the One they still did not recognize. St. John the Baptist was the voice announcing the coming of Jesus Christ into the people’s midst and in doing so he challenges us to go out to all the world and be the herald of Jesus. The Prophet Isaiah speaks of the anointing of the One sent from God to His people and how the Spirit of the Lord God will be upon Him. The presence of Christ will bring glad tidings to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives. In other words, Jesus Christ is coming for the salvation and peace for all God’s people. Indeed, this is the Good News which calls our souls to rejoice in our God!