December 15, 2019 Third Sunday of Advent-A

Isaiah 35:1-6, 10

Psalm 146

James 5:7-10

Matthew 11:2-11

Those whom the Lord has ransomed will return…crowned with everlasting joy; Is. 35:10

“Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight…” Mt. 11:4-5

Lord, today is a joyful day because it is a day that belongs to you.  Nothing that is yours can be anything but joyful.  Isaiah is preaching to a people in bondage far from their homeland.  How can they be joyful?  John the Baptist is in prison and likely facing execution for criticizing the King.  How can he be joyful?  O yes, in our world there will be conflict, hate, violence, traffic accidents, fires, disease, death and trouble of all kinds occurring today.   So how can we be filled with joy with all that misery happening around us and to us?    Lord, heal my spiritual blindness so I can see your presence in every moment of this day.  Cure my deafness so I can hear you speak to me of your love for me.  Cleanse me of the leprosy of sin.  Allow me to leap and walk with you today and every day.  I will then experience the joy only you can give.  Joy because I have been ransomed, redeemed and saved by your death and resurrection.   So as the memorial of your birth approaches I can be joyful knowing that you are here with me always.  Amen.