Beloved in Christ, today we find ourselves in the third week of Advent, often called *Gaudete Sunday*. Gaudete means “rejoice,” and that is our call today—to rejoice in the Lord, for the Kingdom is near! The rose candle on the Advent wreath reflects this joy, reminding us that even in the waiting, God’s promises are sure.
Our readings today call us to , to rejoice in the coming and to embrace the signs of the Kingdom in our midst.
Isaiah 35:1–10: The Promise of Restoration
The prophet Isaiah paints a breathtaking picture of God’s coming Kingdom: the wilderness blossoms, the weak are strengthened, and the fearful are comforted. Isaiah reminds us that God's coming isn't just spiritual—it renews all creation.
This prophecy encourages us to see beyond the present darkness, trusting that God is actively bringing healing and restoration. We may feel as though we are in a wilderness of doubt, fear, or suffering. But just as the desert will bloom, so too will our lives be transformed by the presence of God.
Psalm 146: Rejoice in the Faithfulness of God
Psalm 146 calls us to praise the Lord who reigns forever and is faithful to His people. The psalmist reminds us of God’s heart for justice and mercy: He upholds the oppressed, feeds the hungry, and sets prisoners free.
In this Advent season, we are reminded that our rejoicing is not in the powers of this world but in the God who has come to us in Christ. His faithfulness ensures that all His promises will be fulfilled.
James 5:7–10: Patience in Waiting
James exhorts us to be patient as we wait for the Lord's coming, likening our waiting to a farmer waiting for the rain. This patience is not passive but active, requiring steadfastness and trust.
In a season filled with anticipation, we may grow weary or impatient. James reminds us to strengthen our hearts and look to the prophets who endured with hope. Their faithfulness encourages us to persevere in our own waiting, knowing that Christ’s return is near.
Matthew 11:2–11: The Signs of the Kingdom
In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist, imprisoned and uncertain, sends his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come?” Jesus doesn’t give a direct answer but points to the evidence: the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor hear the good news.
Jesus’ response reminds us that the Kingdom of God is not always what we expect—it breaks into the world in surprising ways. John expected judgment, but Jesus brought healing. We, too, must have eyes to see and hearts to discern the quiet yet powerful work of God among us.
Application: Rejoice in the Now and the Not Yet
As we live between the first coming of Christ and His glorious return, we are called to live with joy and hope. How do we do this?
1. Rejoice in God’s promises: Like Isaiah, we can trust in the restoration God is bringing. Even in times of struggle, His promises are our anchor.
2. Look for the signs of the Kingdom: Like John the Baptist, we may have doubts, but Jesus invites us to see the evidence of His presence in acts of love, healing, and transformation.
3. Be patient and steadfast: Like the farmers James describes, we cultivate faith and wait with hope, knowing that Christ will come again.
Dear friends, Advent is a time of waiting, but it is also a time of rejoicing. The Kingdom is already breaking into our world through the work of Jesus Christ. Even as we wait for its fullness, we have every reason to rejoice.
So, as we continue our Advent journey, let us strengthen our hearts, open our eyes to the signs of God’s Kingdom, and proclaim with joy: "Come, Lord Jesus!"
Amen.
