Third Sunday of Advent

Third Sunday of Advent

‘Gaudete in Domino semper!’

Rejoice in the Lord always!

This is the translation above. As we enter the third week of advent, the theme is Joy. We should be joyful that the season is almost over and the celebration of the birth of our Savior is near.

When we light the rose colored candle it is for Joy. My wife likes to refer to it as the ‘panic’ candle as Christmas is so near. It also makes us aware of our preparation for Christmas not only in a secular state, but also spiritually. The question that we should be asking is “Am I  ready spiritually for Christmas?”. It seems that there are a lot of distractions that we have to deal with during this season. There are distractions both at work and at home that can cause us anxiety and stress.

The first reading from Sunday is from Zephaniah. This reading should speak to our hearts as we are dealing with these distractions around us during Advent:

Zephaniah 3:14-18a

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!

The LORD has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear.

On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!

The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you,

The second reading from Paul also addresses anxiety and how we should pray to God for his peace and present to him all of our petitions:

Philippians 4:4-7

 

Rejoice  in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!

Your kindness  should be known to all. The Lord is near.

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

 

It is too easy to get caught up in all of the commercialism of the season and to forget the real ‘reason for the season’ is Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. John the Baptist has been preparing us for the coming of the Messiah. John is the voice of the one in the wilderness that is crying out to ‘Prepare the way of the Lord’. John gives us good examples to follow in the Gospel reading from Luke 3:10-18. He tells us about giving to those in need, by not taking more from others than we are supposed to, to not extort from others nor accuse others falsely.

John also speaks of humility and unworthiness. He speaks to us as to Jesus being the only one who is worthy. John baptized with water for the forgiveness of sins and he tells us that it is Jesus who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. As we continue with the season of Advent, let us also be reconciled back to God through our confession of our faults and sins, of what we have done and what we have failed to do as we prepare for the birth of our Savior.

So, as we continue, let us ask Jesus to baptize us with the Holy Spirit so that the Fire of the Holy Spirit may burn away our earthly, stubborn will and only strive to do the will of the Father.

 

Jesus, come fill our hearts with your Joy. We ask you to take away all of our anxieties during this season of Advent as we prepare to celebrate your birth. We pray also that as we contemplate our failings to do good for those around us in need, that you will let your Divine Mercy wash over us and stand before your judgment. Give us a true servant’s heart, that we may serve you and be able to minister to those around us that are in need during this season of preparation for your birth.

 

Peace and Joy in Christ,

 

Kerry

To You O Lord – Psalm for Advent