Third Sunday of Advent, Year B

Lectionary: 8
Read the Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28

Gospel Summary
Today’s Gospel reading is taken from the first chapter of John. The passage has many parallels to last week’s Gospel. It begins by telling us that John the Baptist “was not the light, but came to testify to the light.” John the Baptist himself makes it clear that he is not the Christ. He again explains that he is “the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the LORD.”

Reflection for Parents
Tony’s mom. Maria’s dad. Michael’s wife. Angela’s husband. How many times and in how many ways do we define ourselves by who we are? And, like John the Baptist, are there times and ways we define ourselves by who we are not? John made it clear that he was not the Christ, not Elijah, and not the Prophet. What he was is what we are called to be—ones who testify to the light, ones who prepare the way of the Lord, and ones who proclaim his message of truth to all. Today, pray to be who you are as a disciple of Christ. Proclaim the Good News through your words and actions, and point the way to Jesus, the One who is to come.

Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
Today is the Third Sunday of Advent, often called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is a word that means “rejoice.” Light two purple and one rose (pink) candles on your Advent wreath and invite family members to recall things that brought them joy in the past week. Decide as a family on one thing you will do to share joy with a family member, friend, or neighbor in the coming week. Then turn out all the lights and sit together in the light of the Advent wreath candles for a few moments of quiet prayer.

Discussion Starters

1. If someone were to ask me who I am, I would say . . .
2. If someone were to ask me who I am not, I would say . . .
3. If I could be the light of Christ to one person today, it would be . . .
   because . . .