Third Sunday of Advent

“Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The Lord, your God, is in your midst” (Zep. 3: 16-17). Our Lord lives and has stretched out his strong right arm to restore justice in our broken and fragmented world. These words of the prophet Zephaniah resonate with those of Jesus: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t let your hearts be troubled” (Mat 24:6). In the face of all the senseless killings and violence we need to stand firm and remember the words of Jesus. “In this world, you will have trouble, suffering, and tribulation. Do not be discouraged, because I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). The apostle John gives us the reason for our confidence. “The one in your midst is greater and more powerful than the one in the world” (1Jn. 4:4).

Like Zephaniah before him, John told the people that God, full of compassion and love, was present in their midst. I am sure you know that John’s name “Yohanan” means “God is Gracious.” The Baptist preached a message of grace and forgiveness to people who were seeking to be set free from their sins and live in righteousness. He knew that he was the forerunner who was sent to point out the long-awaited savior when he appeared. “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord’” (Jn. 1:23). His primary mission was to wait in hope. For this reason. he kept looking to the mountains, in expectation of the messiah’s arrival. He was confident that the Savior would take away sin and division and establish a kingdom of peace and justice. As heirs of the kingdom, people will be able to lay their fear aside and rejoice. No longer burdened with guilt and shame, they will be bound together with chords of love and live in peace and fellowship.

Seeing that the day of the Lord was near at hand, the prophet exhorted the people to let loose and make a joyful noise to the Lord (CF. Ps. 98:4). They were encouraged to shout, sing, and dance for joy because the coming kingdom was a great blessing for the whole of creation. Listen to the prophet’s instruction. “Sing full-throatily, daughter of Zion. Shout in triumph, Israel. Be glad and rejoice with complete abandon, daughter Jerusalem” (Zep. 3:14). Because God’s mercy was beyond measure, their rejoicing was to be without restraint. As God poured himself out, heedless of his dignity, the people were to rejoice in his presence with all their heart, all their soul, and all their strength: singing and shouting, jumping and dancing for joy.

By order of the prophet, rejoicing and merrymaking were the rule for the day. “This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for rejoicing in the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10). The time of exile is over. The lost sheep was found and carried back to the flock. God made his dwelling in our midst. The Master of the Universe was our shield and stronghold who would protect us from all threats and attacks of evil. God made us and we belong to him. God looks at the work of his hands and takes delight in it. “You are my Son, whom I love. In you I am well-pleased, with you I am delighted” (Mk. 1:11). The mere thought of those words makes my heart leap for joy.

The birth of Christ, the Day Star, heralds a new day. His coming in the flesh opens the door to a never-imagined future. In Christ, God’s love and mercy makes all things new. He is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. God is in our midst to renew us in his love, despite our indifference, despite our hypocrisy, despite our infidelity. “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son whom he loves, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16). God is ever faithful and true. When the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, he inaugurated a new way of living: how human beings relate to God and one another.  Seeing his children live with integrity and concern for others, the Father’s face beams with approval. He enters into communion with his people as they sing, shout, rejoice, and dance. God is not a passive bystander. He is at the center of the celebration and the cause of the rejoicing. At the sight, God refuses to keep silent. He manifests his delight by breaking forth with a loud and exuberant song. When we hear the sound of God singing our hearts are filled with joy and hope.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to a new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same. (Flavia Weedn)