adventWe’re entering the third week of Advent. This week is called Gaudete Sunday. “Gaudete” (pronounced gow / dey / tay) is the Latin word for “rejoice” and this is the week priests wear rose-colored vestments and we light the rose-colored candle, because we are rejoicing reaching the half-way point through this anticipatory season.

This third week, the pink or rose candle is the Shepherd’s Candle, and it represents Joy.

As a matter of faith, of course I approach Christmas with a sense of joy.

As a romance writer, this season is no different.

Think of the joy a couple shares on that first exhilarating date. Or when they first say “I love you.” Or when they get engaged. Married. When they first move in together. When they first learn they’re expecting. That first doctor’s visit when they hear that rapid heartbeat, maybe even see a blurry image on a screen. When they hear that first cry, hold that sweet bundle in their arms. Take that precious baby home for the first time.

There is joy all around. Every first, every milestone. Every moment people choose to savor instead of squandering.

What joyous occasion are you looking forward to this season? What milestone are you celebrating? What everyday activity are you experiencing with a new sense of wonder instead of that same old sense of acceptance or dread? Why don’t you share your story here?

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4 Responses

  1. It’s always a bitter sweet season. Too aware of the ones that won’t be here and grateful for the ones who are. Anywhoo.. Thanks for elaborating on Gaudete and the proper enunciation though I will probably still say gaw-det. Heck I’m still not sure how to pronounce Troilo. 😉

    • It is a bittersweet time of year. We’ve recently lost some people close to us–one relative and two family friends–and this time of year is the anniversary of the loss of others as well. Plus, it’s always hard celebrating without any of the people we’ve lost. But we’re always adding new people to our families, too, right? I try to focus on the positive and celebrate the love. I hope you can do the same. (By the way, it’s Troy like the boy’s name, Low like opposite of high. Troy-Low.)

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