“Who are you, so that we can give an answer to those who sent us?”

John the Baptist appeared to be driving some people a bit nuts. In today’s Gospel, we learn that he was sent to testify to the light, which is Christ. So, while he answered their questions simply, they kept pressing him for answers. No, who are you really?

A voice, he tells them. A voice in the desert. Telling people it’s time to make the path straight. No more roundabouts. No more switchbacks. No more wandering. It’s time to go straight to him.

We don’t (usually) have to face the same interrogation as John the Baptist. But when we live a life centered on Christ, we may have friends and family wondering, “Who are you? What are you all about?”

The third Sunday in Advent is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means, “Rejoice!” Joy is one of the most obvious ways we can be “Christ-bearers” in our world. Life today can make people feel like they are lost in the desert, moving from one empty experience to another without a very clear direction. It can exhaust, confuse, and defeat them. Like John, we can testify to the light and help people recognize the light of Christ. Let our joy be the light that draws them closer to him.

Try this: Today’s Liturgical color is rose (light pink) in honor of Gaudete Sunday. Today, light the pink candle on your Advent wreath if you have one, use a pink flower as a centerpiece for your dining table, or wear something pink (or do all three!). Then, rejoice as a family by singing a favorite Christmas song.

Jesus, like John the Baptist, I want to bring the light of Christ into the world. Give me the grace to find joy in my faith so that people can see your light in me.