Third Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 61: 1 - 11

...a crown of beauty instead of ashes.....the oil of gladness....

How wonderful to experience the spiritual blessings the Lord always promises us. There are times in our lives when we cannot 'feel' the blessings, but when we turn to the Lord even at such times, he will help us glimpse the 'crown of beauty' we have as his children. Of course this is not finally fulfilled yet in the here and now. We are all still a waiting people, waiting for the coming of Christ in glory.

At this stage we are more than halfway through the Advent journey. We have read Scriptures that recall God's promises through his prophets and recognize the partial fulfillment that came about with the coming of Jesus Christ over two thousand years ago.

At this stage too, we may be getting a bit busier as Christmas is round the corner and preparations to make. I wonder how we can celebrate this year with greater regard for the challenging times we live in. Everyone speaks of the coming recession, yet what concrete actions, even small ones, can we take to demonstrate our desire to share what is really more important than material gifts with others? There is a place for material gifts but perhaps we might target those who are really in need and not the usual people who already receive more gifts than we can make use of. I guess we can also help one another remember the spiritual blessings that are always being showered upon us.....even when times are not promising (in the worldly sense).

"I will delight greatly in the Lord,

my soul rejoices in my God" (61: 10)

(an echo of Mary's song of praise, as she consented to make room in herself for the growth and subsequent birth of the incarnate One)