The theological virtue of JOY is prominent on this Third Sunday of Advent.
Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit's abiding presence in the soul and has practical and observable manifestations and consequences. It is greater and more lasting than happiness, and certainly superior to contentment. Repentance and good works are joy's precursors and forerunners, just as St John the Baptist was to Christ Our Lord.
Come, Lord Jesus, come!