Third Sunday of Advent

 

 

How was your week?  May the blessings of God be with all of you who are diligently observing the Advent.  

 

The third Advent candle has been lit and has a deep symbolic meaning representing a thousand year since the birth of Christ.  We need to celebrate it’s meaning on the third Sunday of Advent.  

 

“God’s kingdom is described both with Already and Not Yet.”  (Oscar Cullman)  It has already started with Jesus but it is not yet completed.  It is concluded with the resurrection.  The Advent is also described in a similar manner.  We discover the Advent in the life of Jesus 2000 years ago but we wait for the resurrection that has not yet arrived as we straighten our lives.  

 

Our community of faithful celebrates the presence of Jesus through lighting the candles that symbolizes the deep warm meaning of thousand years.  

 

The mothers group is preparing food for the needy within the church.  There are many elders who live alone or with a spouse.  We have identified at least 34 elders and collected $1,300 in donations.  

 

“He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted.” (First Reading)  This reading reveals the love of Christ.  

 

Raspberry group donated their remaining budget as well as other groups in order to start a new year.  This reveals the humility of Jesus on earth.  

 

Also many parishioners donated numerous items for the needy; everyone in their own way is observing the Advent.  Just as John who “came to testify to the light;” we reveal Jesus in our daily lives.

 

The Advent wreath and the third candle hasten the Christmas.  “Rejoice always.  Pray without ceasing.  In all circumstances give thanks.”  (Second Reading)  In our daily lives, we need observe the third Advent week and prepare for the joyous Christmas.  

 

Let us meditate in silence for a moment.