Third Sunday of Advent (Year C)

At the start of Advent I shared tips to avoid “the anxieties of daily living.” My Advent has been full of anxiety. The days have been very packed. I wish I could say I have been peaceful and joyful these past two weeks; but far from it! I got no presents wrapped, no cards sent, and no decorations put up. And now our readings are saying “have no anxiety at all” and “Rejoice.” How is that even possible after the Advent I’ve been having?

If the first two weeks of Advent have taught me anything, its that I can’t do it on my own. But that’s OK, because the Bible doesn’t tell me, “Rejoice, you have it all together.” I’m not supposed to rejoice in myself. I rejoice in the Lord. I need a savior. Whatever you’re going through won’t last for ever. We can rejoice that Jesus is coming soon. We don’t have to save ourselves, we just have to be ready for our Savior.

How do I get ready? John the Baptist gives us three pieces of advice for being ready for Jesus: Be generous, Be honest, Be humble. That will be enough. God will do the rest. The best news is that that our Savior is eager to see you:

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,

as one sings at festivals.

Did you have any idea God was so excited to see you? You make God’s heart sing! God rejoices in You. We need a savior, and He’s closer than ever. Rejoice!

(13 Dec 2015)

Point to Ponder: How have you felt your need for a Savior this Advent season?

Point to Discuss: Advent is more than half over already. Talk to your family about the daily decade of the Rosary or anything else you are doing for Advent. What have you noticed?