JOY.
On this, the third week in Advent, we light the third candle of the Advent wreath – the pink, or rose, candle. And, we celebrate the third Sunday that preceeds the third week in Advent as “gaudete”, or “rejoice”, Sunday. It’s a week to rejoice!
But, what are we rejoicing about?
You say, “but, Chaplain, I recently lost a dear loved one, how can I ‘rejoice’ in this difficult time?”, or “I’ve run out of money …”, or “My spouse left me for someone else. How can I be happy?”.
I hear you. It’s tough, I know.
But, my friend, this world is not our final destination. Death is only a transition from this world to the next – a journey made possible by the One whose birthday we celebrate as Christmas.
Advent is a season of preparation for that day we know as Christmas – the day we recognize and celebrate the Messiah’s entry into this world as a Child born to the virgin Mary.
This was no ordinary Child.
This was the Messiah that was prophesied about all through the Old Testament period. This was the One who was to come into the world to experience life as we experience it, to experience our pains, our sorrows and our joys. And, to take our transgressions upon Himself as He was nailed to a cross, shed His blood and died for our sins.
He was the only One who could do this, then, rise up from the dead and ascend back into heaven where He reigns even today. And, His promise to us?
He’s coming back for us.
Now, if that’s not something to rejoice over, I’m not sure what is.
Yes! My friend, times are tough. Yes! Inflation is high, there are wars and rumors of war, increasing natural disasters and, yes! We have had to say, “Good bye” to many loved ones. But, the good news is, it’s only temporary.
We are only passing through this world as we journey onwards to the “promised land” of eternal life. And, our loved ones? Yes. We will see them again, one day.
For this reason, we can sing, “Joy to the World, the Lord is Come! Let Earth Receive our King!”.
We can know the Christ-child born on Christmas day is the same Messiah who is very much alive and reigns from heaven above. And, we can know, one day, He’s coming back for us. And, it may be sooner than most people think.
As we continue through our themes of HOPE, PEACE and JOY, let us rejoice in the coming of our King of kings, and our Lord of lords, Jesus the Christ, the Messiah.
Amen.