The Scripture readings this Third Sunday of Advent are readings filled with hope in the midst of hardship; and of joy in the midst of sorrow—a message we all need at various times in our lives. “Be strong, fear not!” says Isaiah, because God will save you—it doesn’t matter if you are blind or deaf or mute because “they (we) will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.” The poetic description of a parched land come to life, of people strengthened, is a wonderfully ‘alive’ picture of God’s grace and mercy for an oppressed people. John the Baptist is told today that Jesus is healing the people in the way that Isaiah predicted—back then and even today, too. This is a reason to rejoice! The psalm today tells us that God keeps faith forever with us, and St. James reminds us to live patiently, without complaining. These are all good things to keep in mind, and good advice to follow.
Having arrived at Gaudete Sunday means we are halfway through Advent to Christmas! Yikes! Time is flying, and we all have lists and are checking them twice… It isn’t easy to keep the reason for the season front and center, but this is what we are called to do. Soon we will officially begin celebrating Christmas while the rest of the world is “done” by December 26th. You will have to do your part to impart the Christmas ideal while the rest of the world is doing New Year’s and looking toward St. Valentine’s Day… But, “Be strong, fear not!” This is today’s Advent message—given by a prophet so that we may also profess our belief in salvation, regardless of season—sacred or secular.
The following article/letter is again a reprint from my past writings—I thought it was worth reading/hearing some reminders about what our focus should be for this season as we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus. No matter what—it may be food for thought in this busy time…
So remember: rejoice! And keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
Having arrived at Gaudete Sunday means we are halfway through Advent to Christmas! Yikes! Time is flying, and we all have lists and are checking them twice… It isn’t easy to keep the reason for the season front and center, but this is what we are called to do. Soon we will officially begin celebrating Christmas while the rest of the world is “done” by December 26th. You will have to do your part to impart the Christmas ideal while the rest of the world is doing New Year’s and looking toward St. Valentine’s Day… But, “Be strong, fear not!” This is today’s Advent message—given by a prophet so that we may also profess our belief in salvation, regardless of season—sacred or secular.
The following article/letter is again a reprint from my past writings—I thought it was worth reading/hearing some reminders about what our focus should be for this season as we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus. No matter what—it may be food for thought in this busy time…
So remember: rejoice! And keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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