Today we lay aside purple and penitence to rejoice on Gaudete or Joy Sunday. We are nearing the end of our journey to the Savior’s birth. The priest may wear rose colored vestments and we light the rose candle on our Advent wreath. More light, more anticipating joy. We continue to prepare, cleaning our souls, our hearts, our homes, making ready for the holy babe who is on his way to Bethlehem. Our readings invite us to rejoice: "Shout for joy!", "Sing praise to the Lord!", ""Have no anxiety at all". The Gospel recounts the Baptist telling the crowds what to do to lead a holy life but he dampens their anticipation that he is the Messiah: "one mightier than I is coming."