The readings for the Third Sunday of Advent speak of joy, of hope, of rejoicing and gladness. The prophet Zephaniah says God “will renew you in his love, God will sing joyfully because of you!” Imagine that! God will sing with joy when God remembers! It is this spirit of joy that Paul picks up in the second reading when says, “Rejoice in the Lord always!” So, filled with this spirit of Advent anticipation and expectation, of joy and hope, like the people in the gospel we ask, “What should we do?” And the answer from John the Baptist is: try a little kindness! The best way we can prepare for Christmas is to be kind. If we try a little kindness, practice those little random acts of compassion, then Paul’s fervent prayer might be realized: “Your kindness should be known to all.”