3rd Sunday of Advent Year B  – Gaudete Sunday

• First Reading – Isaiah 61:1-2A, 10-11: Anointed by God, I am sent to bring hope to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim freedom. Clothed in salvation, I joyfully await God’s justice to flourish globally.
• Responsorial Psalm – Luke 1: My soul magnifies the Lord, rejoicing in God my Savior. He has blessed me, His humble servant, and shown mercy across generations, fulfilling His promise with compassion.
• Second Reading – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24: Rejoice always, pray ceaselessly, and give thanks in all situations. Embrace the Spirit, discern truth, and avoid evil. May God sanctify you wholly for Christ’s return, fulfilling His promise.
• Gospel – John 1:6-8, 19-28: Sent by God, John the Baptist testified to the coming Light, making clear he was not the Christ, Elijah, nor the Prophet. Questioned by Jewish leaders, he identified himself as the voice prophesied by Isaiah, preparing the way for the Lord. Despite his significant role, John humbly acknowledged the greater one to follow, whose sandals he felt unworthy to untie.

Lectionary Reference: 8

Upcoming dates: December 13, 2026, December 16, 2029, December 12, 2032

The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B, Gaudete Sunday, is a time of joy and hope as we wait for Christ’s coming. The readings remind us to rejoice, give thanks, and prepare our hearts for the Lord.

• Joyful Anticipation: This Sunday invites us to rejoice as we await Christ. Isaiah speaks of joyful hope, and Paul calls us to rejoice always, trusting in God’s promises.
• Humility and Witness: John the Baptist humbly points to Jesus, showing that true greatness is found in serving others. His example teaches us to bear witness to Christ with humility.
• Hope for the Oppressed: Isaiah announces freedom and healing for the brokenhearted. This message of hope encourages us to trust in God’s justice and mercy.
• Gratitude and Prayer: Paul urges us to give thanks in all circumstances and to pray without ceasing. This reminds us to live in gratitude and stay connected to God through prayer.
• Preparation and Repentance: John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus by calling for repentance. Advent invites us to examine our lives and turn away from sin.
• Faithful Expectation: Paul encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness. As we wait for Christ, we are called to remain hopeful and faithful.

The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B calls us to rejoice and prepare our hearts for Christ. By embracing hope, humility, and gratitude, we can live in joyful expectation of the Savior’s coming.

Who Are You? A Lesson Plan on Identity

The “Who Are You?” lesson plan connects with the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B, where John the Baptist defines his identity by who he is not. John humbly states that he is not the Christ but a voice preparing the way for Jesus. This teaches us that true identity is found not in titles or roles but in our relationship with God.

This lesson invites young people to reflect on their own identities, moving beyond labels or expectations. Like John the Baptist, they are encouraged to understand themselves in light of their faith and purpose in Christ. The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B challenges us to embrace who God calls us to be, preparing our hearts for Christ’s coming.

Litany of St. John the Baptist

The Litany of St. John the Baptist reflects the themes of the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B by highlighting John’s role as the forerunner of Christ. This prayer reminds us of his mission to prepare the way for Jesus, calling people to repentance and pointing to the Lamb of God. His humility and dedication echo the Advent call to prepare our hearts for the Lord.

Through his many titles, the litany shows John’s unique identity and purpose. He is the voice crying out in the wilderness, the witness to the Light, and the one who points others to Christ. The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B invites us to follow his example by living simply, focusing on our mission, and preparing for Christ’s coming with hope and humility.

Help Me Know Who I Am

This Identity Prayer connects with the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B by reflecting on the theme of true identity. In the Gospel, John the Baptist knows who he is and who he is not. He humbly points others to Christ, not seeking glory for himself. This prayer asks God to help us see ourselves through His eyes, just as John understood his role in God’s plan.

By recognizing our identity as God’s beloved children, we can live with confidence and humility. Like John the Baptist, we are called to point others to Christ, not to ourselves. The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B invites us to prepare our hearts by embracing our true identity and directing all glory to God.

Advent Ideas

Advent is a season of waiting and preparation for Christ’s coming. It invites us to reflect on Jesus’ birth and His promised return. The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B, Gaudete Sunday, emphasizes joyful anticipation and readiness. This Sunday encourages us to rejoice as we prepare our hearts for Christ.

The shift to rose on Gaudete Sunday symbolizes hope and joy in the midst of waiting. By praying, giving thanks, and sharing love, we embrace the true spirit of Advent. The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B reminds us that our waiting is filled with hope and expectation.

Here are just a few of the 30+ ideas available on this page:

• Pray the O Antiphons
• Why Linus Drops His Blanket in A Charlie Brown Christmas
• Let the Spirit of Advent Visit
• Make Some Christmas Ornaments and Give Them Away

1 Thessalonians: A Practical Guide

The second reading for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B, from 1 Thessalonians, encourages us to live with faith, love, and hope as we wait for Christ’s coming. Paul urges us to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. This reminds us to keep our focus on God’s promises, even during challenges.

The message of 1 Thessalonians aligns with the Advent theme of joyful anticipation. It calls us to live in readiness and faithfulness, reflecting Christ’s light through holiness, love, and unity. The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B invites us to prepare our hearts with gratitude, hope, and prayerful expectation.

Resources and Reflections for the Gospel of John

The Gospel of John is known for its deep spiritual insights and focus on Jesus’ divinity. In the Gospel reading for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B, John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus, pointing to Him as the Light. This reflects one of the key themes in John’s Gospel—Jesus as the Word made flesh and the true Light of the world.

John the Baptist’s humility and role as a witness remind us to point others to Christ. The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B encourages us to reflect on our own call to be witnesses to the Light. This Advent, we are invited to prepare our hearts and share the hope of Christ with others.

The Voice of One Crying Out in the Desert

In his homily for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on John the Baptist’s role as the greatest prophet who prepares the way for Jesus. Bishop Barron explains that John sums up all human religious longing and wisdom, yet points beyond himself to Christ. Despite his greatness, John humbly declares himself unworthy even to untie Jesus’ sandal, showing that Jesus is far more than just another prophet.

Bishop Barron emphasizes that John the Baptist represents the height of human spirituality, but Jesus surpasses him because He is the Word of God made flesh. The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B invites us to stand with John, bringing all our human gifts to God, yet looking beyond ourselves to Jesus. Bishop Barron encourages us to prepare for Christmas by recognizing the greatness of Christ, who is truly God among us.

A Message of Hope for Advent

In his commentary for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B, Gaudete Sunday, Jeff Cavins reflects on the hope and freedom promised in the readings. He connects John the Baptist’s role as the forerunner of Christ to Isaiah’s prophecy of consolation and new beginnings. Cavins explains that John prepares the way for Jesus, who brings spiritual freedom and a new start, much like the Jubilee in Israel’s history.

Jeff Cavins encourages us to see Advent as a time of hope and renewal. He emphasizes that Jesus offers freedom from sin and despair, bringing light to dark times. The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B invites us to prepare our hearts for Christ, trusting in the new beginnings He brings. Cavins reminds us that this message of hope is for all who seek freedom and joy.

One Who is Coming

In his commentary for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B, Scott Hahn explores the role of John the Baptist as the one who prepares the way for Jesus. Hahn explains that John is not Elijah, the Prophet, or the Messiah, but he fulfills his mission with the spirit and power of Elijah. John’s baptism is symbolic, calling people to repentance and pointing to Jesus, who brings true spiritual rebirth through the Holy Spirit.

Scott Hahn emphasizes that John the Baptist leads us to the Light—Jesus Christ. The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B invites us to rejoice and prepare our hearts through repentance, gratitude, and prayer. Like John, we are called to point others to Christ and live in joyful anticipation of His coming.

The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B, Gaudete Sunday, invites us to rejoice as we wait for Christ’s coming. The readings call us to live in joyful anticipation, bearing witness to the Light with humility and hope. These reflections explore the themes of joy, light, and gratitude, helping us prepare our hearts for the Savior.

Joyful Anticipation

On the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B, Gaudete Sunday, we are called to rejoice as we await Christ’s coming. The second reading from 1 Thessalonians encourages us to “rejoice always” and “pray without ceasing.” This joy is not based on perfect circumstances but on the hope we have in Christ. It reminds us that God is with us, even in difficult times.

Paul’s message invites us to live in gratitude, finding reasons to rejoice in every situation. This joy is grounded in faith, knowing that God is faithful and His promises are true. Gaudete Sunday reminds us that Advent is not just about waiting but about waiting with joy and hope.

This Sunday invites us to actively seek joy through prayer and thanksgiving. By staying connected to God through prayer, we find peace and strength. Gratitude helps us focus on God’s goodness, even when challenges arise.

The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B encourages us to live joyfully and gratefully as we prepare for Christ. By embracing this joy, we share the light of Christ with others, spreading hope and love. This joyful anticipation helps us prepare our hearts for the Savior.

Illuminating the Path

The Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B introduces John the Baptist as a witness to the Light, preparing the way for Jesus. John’s role is to point others to Christ, not to seek glory for himself. His humility and faithfulness show us how to bear witness to Jesus in our own lives.

John the Baptist is a model of humility and purpose. He knows who he is and who he is not. He points to Jesus, the true Light, teaching us to focus on Christ rather than ourselves. This humility invites us to be honest about our own role in God’s plan.

By reflecting Christ’s light, we help others find their way to Him. We are called to be lights in the world, sharing God’s love and truth. Like John, we can prepare the way for Christ by living with faith and humility.

The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B challenges us to be witnesses of Christ’s light. By pointing others to Jesus and living humbly, we spread hope and love. This Advent, we are invited to shine Christ’s light in a world that needs hope.

A Tapestry of Joy and Light

On the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B, the readings weave together a message of joy and light. Isaiah speaks of hope and renewal, proclaiming freedom and healing. Paul encourages us to rejoice and pray always, while John the Baptist points to the true Light, Jesus Christ. Together, these readings remind us that Christ’s coming brings joy and salvation.

Isaiah’s message of joy and freedom invites us to trust in God’s promises. His words remind us that God’s salvation brings healing and justice. This hope fills us with joy, even as we wait for Christ’s coming.

Paul’s call to continuous prayer and gratitude teaches us to live in joyful expectation. It reminds us to stay connected to God and to focus on His goodness. By praying and giving thanks, we find peace and hope.

John the Baptist’s testimony to the Light teaches us to be witnesses of Christ. By pointing to Jesus, he shows us how to live humbly and faithfully. His example challenges us to prepare the way for Christ in our own lives.

The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B invites us to weave joy, hope, and light into our Advent journey. By rejoicing, praying, and witnessing to Christ, we prepare our hearts for the Savior. This Sunday reminds us that even in waiting, we can live with joy and hope.

The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B reminds us that even in waiting, we can find joy and hope. By embracing joy, reflecting Christ’s light, and living in gratitude, we prepare the way for Jesus. Let us carry this joy into our lives, sharing the light of Christ with others.

Prayer

Lord, help us rejoice as we wait for Christ’s coming. Fill our hearts with hope and gratitude. Guide us to reflect Your light with humility and faith. May we prepare the way for Jesus with joy and love. Amen.

• How can I find joy in waiting for Christ?
• What does it mean to rejoice always?
• How can I be a witness to Christ’s light?
• In what ways can I prepare my heart for Jesus?
• How can I practice humility like John the Baptist?
• What role does gratitude play in my faith journey?
• How can I bring joy to others during Advent?
• Where do I see God’s light in my life?
• How can I live with hope and expectation?
• What changes can I make to live more joyfully?

These music selections for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B reflect themes of joyful anticipation, hope, and preparation for Christ’s coming. They echo John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way for the Lord and invite us to rejoice as we wait for the Savior. Some songs focus on waiting with hope, while others celebrate the Light coming into the world. This music helps us reflect on God’s promises and prepares our hearts for Christmas.

• Advent Litany (Word of Justice) by Jaime Cortez
• At the Sound by Robbie Seay & Ike Ndolo
• Behold the Lamb of God by Bob Dufford
• Burning in My Soul by Matt Maher
• Emmanuel by Steve Angrisano
• Endless is Your Love by Tom Kendzia
• Every Valley by Bob Dufford
• Here at This Table by Janèt Sullivan Whitaker & Max Whitaker
• Hold Me in Life
• Jubilate Deo by Barbara Bridge
• Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming by Tom Kendzia
• Luke 1: My Soul Rejoices by Owen Alstott
• Magnificat by Steve Angrisano
• Magnificat by Bernadette Farrell
• My Soul Rejoices by Jackie François
• O Come, O Come Emmanuel by Tom Kendzia
• O Come Emmanuel by Mark Friedman & Janet Vogt
• Prepare Him Room by Bethel Worship Choir
• Ready the Way by Curtis Stephan
• Save Us O Lord by Bob Dufford
• Sing Out Earth and Skies by Marty Haugen
• Ubi Caritas by Laurence Rosania
• Waiting in Silence by Carey Landry
• What You Hear in the Dark by Dan Schutte

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and consider how they can enhance the Advent liturgy. Try them out and see how they resonate with your community. Share your experiences and suggest other Advent songs in the comments.

What date is the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B  – Gaudete Sunday?

The next date is Sunday December 13, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
3rd Sunday of Advent Year A
3rd Sunday of Advent Year C

What are the Mass readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B  – Gaudete Sunday?

The Mass readings for Sunday December 13, 2026 are:
First Reading – Isaiah 61:1-2A, 10-11: Anointed for Good News
Responsorial Psalm – Luke 1: Mary’s Song of Praise
Second Reading – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24: Call to Faithful Living
Gospel – John 1:6-8, 19-28: John’s Humble Witness

What does Gaudete mean?

Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin. On the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B, we celebrate the joy of knowing that Christ’s coming is near.

Why is the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B called Gaudete Sunday?

It is called Gaudete Sunday because the readings focus on joy and hope. We are invited to rejoice as we wait for Jesus.

Why does Isaiah speak of joy and hope?

Isaiah announces freedom and healing for the oppressed. This shows that God’s salvation brings joy and renewal.

How can we apply Isaiah’s message to our lives?

We can find hope in God’s promises, even in difficult times. We are called to share this hope with others by offering help and comfort.

Why does Paul tell us to rejoice always?

Paul wants us to live with gratitude and trust in God. Rejoicing always means finding joy in God’s presence, no matter the situation.

How can we “pray without ceasing”?

We can stay connected to God by praying throughout the day. Short prayers of thanks, asking for help, or simply being mindful of God’s presence are ways to do this.

Why does John the Baptist deny being the Messiah?

John knows his role is to prepare the way for Jesus. He shows humility by pointing others to Christ instead of seeking glory for himself.

What can we learn from John the Baptist’s humility?

We learn to serve others and not seek praise. True greatness comes from helping others find Christ.

How does the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B invite us to prepare for Christ?

It calls us to repentance and joyful anticipation. We are encouraged to examine our hearts and live with hope and faith.

What is the main message of the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year B?

The main message is joy and hope in the coming of Christ. We are invited to rejoice, pray, and prepare our hearts for the Savior.