“Joy”
This third Sunday of Advent is the Sunday of Joy. We have two gospel passages, both from Luke.
In Luke 1:39-55, John leaps for joy in his mother Elizabeth’s womb. Elizabeth and Mary speak of the fulfillment of God’s promises. Turning to Luke 3:7-18, we find John the Baptist, now a grown man. He preaches in the wilderness, calling for a change of mind and behavior so that all may be ready for the coming Messiah. Change is hard! Yet, these moments with people living on the cusp of great change are aligned with joy.
As we wait for Christmas day, how can we live joyfully while also facing the changes and challenges before us with clear eyes?
