If you’ve been following my blog the past couple of weeks on the parish website you’ll know that I’ve been preparing for Christmas this Advent with a rather “unique” Advent calendar. Instead of chocolate or traditional scripture verses, each day brings some quirky often mundane item meant to spark reflection. This week included a tiny broom, a piece of chalk, and a small stone. Today, I discovered a little silver bell. Not exactly the Swiss chocolates I might have been hoping for, but here we are. The bell got me thinking: what does it mean to ring out joy in the world? And then the question struck me: How can I share joy with someone today?

This fits perfectly with our theme for the Third Week of Advent, Gaudete Sunday—a day dedicated to rejoicing. But today’s joy is not about surface happiness. It’s about finding joy rooted in faith, transforming our hearts, and putting love into action.

The readings this weekend overflow with encouragement: “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!” from Zephaniah, and Paul’s urgent exhortation: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!” (Phil 4:4). Even our Gospel, though more practical in tone, shows joy unfolding in the lives of people taking concrete steps to live out their faith.

This isn’t a shallow or fleeting joy. It’s not the kind of feeling we get from watching our favorite football team win or opening a Christmas present. No, this joy is deeper. It comes from knowing that “The Lord is near,” as Paul assures us. He’s not just near in time as we approach Christmas Day, but near to us in our struggles, hopes, and prayers.

Advent isn’t just about preparing for Christ’s birth 2,000 years ago; it’s about looking forward to His return. Are we ready to meet Him with lives that reflect His love? That’s where our joy deepens—when our preparation is active, not passive.

**“What Should We Do?”**

In today’s Gospel, the crowds come to John the Baptist and ask, “What should we do?” It’s a question of action. And John’s answers are simple yet profound: Share with those who have less. Be honest in your dealings. Practice contentment and integrity. John doesn’t tell the people to go off into the desert and meditate. He doesn’t suggest lofty, abstract spiritual exercises. Instead, he invites them to make their faith tangible.

This Advent, as we light the pink candle on the wreath, it’s a reminder that joy is tied to action. John calls us to prepare for the Lord by living with justice, charity, and humility.

**Joy Found in Service**

Here’s the amazing thing: when we take small steps to serve others, joy sneaks up on us. I was reminded of this recently while watching the St. Michael’s eighth graders working on their Thanksgiving baskets. Their laughter and teamwork as they packed food for families in need was inspiring. Joy wasn’t just in the giving but in the shared sense of purpose.

At St. Michael’s Parish, we have so many opportunities to live out this joy in concrete action:

The Giving Tree: Picking a tag and providing a gift for a local child.

Jolly Gifts: Dropping off toys for children whose families are struggling this Christmas.

Adopt a Holy Land Classroom: Supporting children in the birthplace of Christ, ensuring they have the education they need.

These aren’t just “charitable activities.” They are ways to bring Christ’s joy into the lives of others.

**Sharing Joy Like a Bell**

Let’s go back to that little bell from my Advent calendar. What does a bell do? It calls attention, wakes us up, or gathers people together. And isn’t that what we’re called to do as Christians? To ring out the joy of the Gospel in a world that sometimes feels stuck in silence or sorrow?

But ringing the bell doesn’t mean shouting Bible verses from the rooftops or preaching on every street corner. It’s the quiet acts of love and justice that make the clearest sound. When we forgive someone who’s hurt us, share generously with someone in need, or simply listen to a friend who’s struggling, we ring out the joy of Christ’s love.

**A Practical Invitation**

So, here’s my challenge for the week: Choose one specific act of kindness or justice to prepare your heart for Christ. Maybe it’s picking up a gift from the Giving Tree or inviting a lonely neighbor to dinner. Perhaps it’s as simple as sharing a smile with someone who needs encouragement. If you’re curious about what’s next in my Advent calendar journey, check out our parish website. This week, let’s pray for the courage to ring out the joy of the Gospel in all we do this week. Amen.