On this third Sunday of Advent, our readings clearly tell us that it is the time to rejoice; the Light is near to us; He is already at the door. The prophet Isaiah writes to the people returning from the darkness of the Babylonian captivity. He tells them it is a new day; it is the time to rejoice. God will bring justice; He will bring liberty to the captives and give release to prisoners. God will heal the broken hearted, so today we also rejoice in Christ Jesus who is the Light who is nearby. We hear in today’s gospel that the Light is near and make straight the path for the coming of Jesus. Yes, it is the time to rejoice. It is the time to give up all the bad activities, activities of the darkness and put on the armor of light. Jesus Christ is the Light who can dispel the darkness in our life. So therefore, we shall come out of the shadows where we are hiding. We shall stand in front of him plainly; let him see us. Then it will be easy for him to save us. We shall give up all our hiding places and things which block us from being seen.

Paul writes: In all circumstances, give thanks! No matter what the situation, in good times and in bad, we need to thank God for what we have, for all that we’ve received, even the life that we have. St. Paul was thanking God for all that he received, even the pains and sufferings he received for the sake of Christ. So,we too must be able to thank Him from our hearts for all that we are now. When we’re truly grateful for all that we have, the list of things we think we need can often quickly shorten. As it is with our joys, so it is with our gratitude. I may not be joyful today and I might be in need today, but we all have a history of God’s goodness to us and for which we have reason to give thanks and praise.

Rejoice always! Pray without ceasing! In all circumstances, give thanks!

Let’s stop for a moment and close our eyes… and remember something joyful in our lives, something we’re grateful for… and in prayer, let’s thank God for that joy… and hold that joy in our hearts for a moment. By thanking God for all his blessings and waiting joyfully for his coming to us, we shall welcome him with a heart full of love and gratitude. Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say rejoice!

Love and prayers,
Fr. Charley