The Lord Rejoices Over You in Gladness

On December 12 we celebrated the third Sunday of Advent also called Guadete Sunday. Guadete is Latin for “rejoice.” We are invited to celebrate and rejoice with one another as we draw near to Christmas. The Lord rejoiced as God people rejoiced over the coming of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah. I bet Jesus was just as happy to share His gospel message and offer redemption to humanity all to fulfill the will of God, the Father. The Lord also rejoices when each lost sheep accepts the path to salvation. Imagine the Lord’s heart filled with gladness. Yes, another soul in heaven!

The Lord rejoices when we allow him to share in our brokenness, struggles, joy and happiness. Every time we come to Him with our needs, thanks, and praise, we open our hearts to his unconditional love and healing. The Lord rejoices when we acknowledge His presence and invitation into every aspect of our lives. Allow the “Lord, your God, in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness and renew you in his love. He will sing joyfully because of you” (V.17).