The theme for the third Sunday of Advent is REJOICE! Celebrate! Be glad! The Entrance Antiphon for today’s Mass from Philippians 4:4 tells us why: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” St. John tells us in the first chapter of his Gospel, that we should rejoice because “The true light, which enlightens everyone, [is] coming into the world” (John 1:9). Jesus is “the light of the world” and he came so we can have “the light of life” (John 8:12).
John the Baptist came roaring out of the dessert “to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.” He proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, to prepare people for the coming of the Lord. When we receive the Sacrament of Baptism, we receive new birth through the Holy Spirit and become members of the Body of Christ. As members of the Body of Christ and children of the light, we share John the Baptist’s mission “to testify to the light.”
During this time of year, Peachtree City is ablaze with beautiful Christmas lights. Traditionally Christmas lights symbolize Jesus, the light of the world, who came to save us. They illuminate the darkness of our Advent world. In Matthew 5:14,16 Jesus reminds us that “[We] are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden, so your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
We are called to bring the light of Christ into our world and in today’s second reading St. Paul tells us how, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
O God, most high and most near,
you send glad tidings to the lowly,
you do not hide your face from the poor;
you call those who dwell in darkness into the light.
Take away our blindness,
remove the hardness of our hearts,
and form us into a humble people,
so that, at the advent of your Son,
we may recognize him in our midst
and find joy in his presence.
We ask this through him whose coming is certain,
whose day draws near:
your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen.
