Pope Benedict XVI on Gaudete Sunday

This third Sunday of Advent is called "Gaudete Sunday" -- "Rejoice," we are called to rejoice because the Lord is near. . . the "nearness" of God is not a question of space and time, but rather a question of love: Love is near! Christmas will come to remind us of this fundamental truth of our faith and, before the crèche, taste Christian joy, contemplating in the face of the newborn Jesus the God who drew near to us for love. As we renew our hope in Jesus and look forward to His coming, may we experience in our lives the deep joy of His salvation . . . who in His birth brings God's benediction to men.
Pope Benedict XVI