‘Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble. Brethren, against one another, that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the doors.’ [James 5: 8 – 9]
Sunday 11th marks the 3rd Sunday of Advent and the above passage reminds us we are in a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.
The 3rd candle lit in the advent wreath signifies Joy; Rejoice; as it is also called Joy Sunday. The readings relate to St. John the Baptist and it reminds us of the sufferings he had to go through just to live his place in history.
‘Christianity is not a religion where one day you are fired up for the Lord and the next, you become lukewarm,’ said Fr. Wisdom.
Staying joyful in Advent and expectant for Jesus at Christmas means we have to go the extra mile to meet Jesus in people. The holidays won’t have Jesus and a host of chariots ride down to earth to be welcomed: absolutely no!
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” [Matt 25:40]
We are called to rejoice for our salvation is at hand; the birth of Jesus signifies the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of various Christians all over the world. It promises each believer of something much bigger than the daily struggle for survival.
As we wait expectantly for the nativity and the 2nd coming of our Lord, we hope to use our time and energy to be a source of inspiration to the younger ones in faith and also serve as a testimony for God’s people.
Selah.