Sunday, 15 December 2024. Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-18, Isaiah 12, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:10-18
“Teacher, what shall we do? … Collect no more than is appointed you… Rob no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:12-14)
Today is the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday or Rejoice Sunday. One word that captures today’s liturgy is Joy. Our readings today not only demand our happiness but also outline the reasons why we must be happy. Zephaniah says, “Sing aloud… shout… rejoice and exult with all your heart… (because) the Lord is in your midst, you shall fear no more.”
Our Responsorial Psalm says, “Shout and sing for joy, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” In his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul says, “Rejoice always… (because)… the Lord is at hand.” In our Gospel passage, St. Luke tells us that John the Baptist preached “Good News to the people.” Let us now consider the lessons contained in today’s readings.
1. Christmas is a Happy Time because Jesus is Incarnated in Many
Most people remember the happiest Christmas they had as children. This was primarily due to the love and care they received through gifts such as new clothes or shoes or even the fact that their parents were there to spend time with them, take them out, or take them to places they had never been.
What makes Christmas pleasant for children is that they receive more than they give, which is only possible because parents go the extra mile to make sacrifices for them. Christmas is a happy time not because it is Jesus’ birthday but because people celebrate it by becoming Jesus through acts of sacrifice and generosity.
The joy of Christmas is God giving away his only son, Jesus, to save mankind. When we give gifts to others during Christmas or even make time to be with others, regardless of what it costs us, we incarnate Jesus. No wonder in today’s Gospel passage, we hear John the Baptist saying: “He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.”
The time to be happy is now, the place to be happy is here, and the way to be happy is to make others happy. We will have a little heaven down here. Don’t just celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus; become Jesus by giving your time, energy, and money to others, and you will be happy.
2. Sin Takes Away Our Joy
Nothing brings as much pain as the death of a loved one, especially during a season like this. Because, as St. Paul puts it, the wages of sin is death, we cannot but conclude that every time we sin, we bring death to ourselves and to all who become victims of our sinful actions.
John the Baptist says to tax collectors, “Collect no more than is appointed.” To soldiers, he says, “Rob no one by violence or false accusation, be content with your pay.” If John the Baptist were here today, he would say something similar to those who cheat others, indulge in criminal activities, and carry out acts of man’s inhumanity to man. You can never be happy by depriving others of their happiness. All sin is death.
3. The Magic of Christmas is Contentment
Christmas lets us cool off our ever-anxious minds and notice the beauty of God’s creation and life. This is exactly the point St. Paul seeks to drive home in today’s second reading when he says, “Have no anxiety about anything… and the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Do you wish every day was Christmas? Then follow St. Paul’s advice: constantly free your mind from anxiety and practice contentment. Learn to submit your worries to God in prayer. Take time to notice or admire the beauty of the creation.
4. No Place Like Home
Indeed, without family, there is no Christmas, and family here goes beyond one’s siblings. It includes all those with whom we feel a strong connection, even childhood friends, distant relations, and those with whom we are not on talking terms. The reunion and togetherness Christmas affords are like medicine for humanity. The best and happiest place to be during Christmas is with family or amongst one’s roots.
Create time for family, remembering that you belong to a special family where God is addressed as “Our Father.” Do not be so glued to social media; spend time with real human beings, mend broken fences, and forgive past hurts. The peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, make us instruments of joy to the world this Christmas. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (3rd Sunday of Advent Liturgical Colour: Rose or Violet. Bible Study: Zephaniah 3:14-18, Isaiah 12, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:10-18).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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