Third Candle of the Advent Wreathe
If I could draw your attention to the Advent Wreathe, specifically
the third candle. This third candle will
signify the third Sunday of Advent. The
Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday which in Latin
means to rejoice. Notice that this
candle is different from the other three candles. While the other three is purple, this one is
Rose-Color. It’s different because it is
a sign, that we are halfway journey through the Advent Season. Let us Gaudete that the Lord has fulfilled
the Covenantal Promises.
Homily:
Once again, Happy Third Sunday of Advent.
I am the oldest of 6 in the family. I was too young to recall when my siblings
were born. It was all quite secretive at
the time.
But when my brother and his wife had their first child, it
was very special occasion for the entire family. This baby is going to be their first son, my
parent’s first grandchild, and my very first nephew.
I remember when my brother told me about having his first
son. He was filled with excitement, joy
and enthusiasm. He couldn’t believe that
he was going to be a Father for the very first time. He was present at the birth, and I asked him:
“what was it like to see the Birth of your first son.” He said: “It’s like a little alien coming out
of her.” It was absolutely the strangest
thing he saw, but he knew that he had to become responsible, grow up, and
ensure this child’s safety and well being.
Of course, he had the support of us all.
In the Old Testament, the Prophet Isaiah says to the King in
7:14: “A Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and he shall be called Emmanuel
which means God is with us.” Essentially,
what Isaiah says is this: “There’s going to be a new baby.” “We are going to have a new baby.” It’s kind of like my brother, or any of our
young families who are sharing the good news of their addition in the family.
But can you imagine the king as he is listening to the
prophet Isaiah. The country is being
threated by the surrounding countries.
It is a time of war. People are living
below their means. It’s difficult to
make ends meet. There are numerous
political issues that has his concern. His
life and the life of his people are in danger.
And the prophet Isaiah says to him: “By the way, we are
going to have a new baby.” I bet the
king is thinking: “It will take more than 20 years for the child to become an
adult. I need God’s help right here and
right now.”
In many ways, the King’s way of thinking is like all of
us. We have so many things to think
about and worry about in our personal life.
Sometimes it may be difficult to hear the word “rejoice” because of the
numerous adversities. Or even to have
time to welcome the good news of a newborn baby can be somewhat tedious.
Notice that the King Ahaz’s response to the prophet Isaiah: “I
will not ask for a sign. I will not tempt
the Lord.” Essentially, what he is
saying is: “I don’t have time for this.
I have other things I have to think about.” The prophet Isaiah went ahead and gave him a
sign. The pregnant woman is the sign of
God’s promise and hope.
Despite the struggles for us in the day-to-day life, we are
no different than the King who is listening to the good news from the Prophet
Isaiah. Personal things may seem
important, but nothing is as important as the birth of Jesus. We have to discover and find ways to show
that. Jesus’ birth is the reason for the
season.
“For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his
shoulder dominion rests. They name him
wonder-counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful,
from David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by
judgment and justice both now and forever.”
May the birth of Jesus be for you the greatest reason to
rejoice.
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