December 17, 2023, THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT-B
Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11
Psalm Luke 1:46-50, 53-54
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28
I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul. Is. 61:10
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior… Lk 1:46
Rejoice always. 1 Thes 5:16
Lord, it would be hard to miss your message today. This is a day of REJOICING and there is a good reason for it. We will soon celebrate your birthday. That was the day when mankind was given the promise that death doesn’t have the last word. We are a people claimed for you and redeemed by you. You came to release us from the prison of sin and death to live in freedom as sons and daughters of the most high God. Your becoming one of us over 2,000 years ago is truly a cause for rejoicing. But so is your coming to us each and every day of our lives. When I wake up you are there waiting for me to greet you in prayer. During the work of the day you help me with my choices, you strengthen me when I am weak and encourage me when I want to give up. When the storms of life beat upon me you hold my hand to steady me and protect me. When I rest you listen to my silent prayer. At night you are delighted when I’ve used the gift of that day bearing fruit as your disciple. Lord, I rejoice in you always. Amen