Saintly Scribbles

On Gaudete Sunday—the rose-colored pause of joy in the midst of Advent—our pastor stepped down from the sanctuary and sat among the children, meeting them at eye level as he preached. The image itself preached before a word was spoken: joy is not distant or complicated; it is close, relational, and meant to be shared. Surrounded by eager faces, he reminded us that Gaudete means “rejoice,” not because everything is finished, but because the promise is near. Advent joy is different from Christmas joy—it is lighter, expectant, and full of hope.

Our pastor invited the children to think about the days just before their birthday. The party isn’t here yet, the cake hasn’t been cut, and the gifts remain wrapped—but the excitement is real. You count the days. You talk about it constantly. You can almost taste the joy to come. That, he said, is the joy of Advent. We rejoice not because we already hold the gift, but because we know it is coming. Jesus is near. God keeps His promises.

For all of us watching—children and adults alike—the moment was a gentle reminder that Christian joy doesn’t require perfection or completion. It grows in waiting, in trust, and in hopeful anticipation. Like a child before a birthday, we are invited to live these days with open hearts, joyful expectation, and the simple confidence that something wonderful is about to arrive. Rejoice! The Lord is near.