Blessing of the Animals October 4, 2015

This Sunday, December 16, 2018

~The Third Sunday of Advent-Year C.

~8:00 AM – Holy Eucharist, Rite I in the Chapel.

~9:15 AM – Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Chancel.

~9:30 AM – Adult Forum in the Parish Hall.

~10:15 AM – Holy Eucharist, Rite II in the Main Sanctuary.

~12:00 PM – Family Choir Rehearsal in the Chancel.

~4:00 PM – Youth Group.

Your Sunday’s Weekly Reflection

A Note on Today’s Readings The Third Sunday of Advent—Year C

In our readings and in the Collect for today, the major themes of biblical, prophetic religion come together, deepening the preparation of God’s faithful people for the approaching Christmas festival. We pray that God will “stir up his power and come among us” and we are given the paradoxical message of fearful judgment and joyful anticipation.

This message is given first in Zephaniah’s announcement of “the Day of the Lord” when God will come to draw all people into a saving and life-giving community. “The Lord, your God, is in your midst.” “Sing aloud… Rejoice… Exult.”

For Paul and the church in Philippi, the Lord has indeed come in Jesus’ death and resurrection. “Rejoice,” Paul says, and be partakers in the peace of God, which is our true guardian and protector.

But first, we hear the harsh words from John the Baptist, warning that we must be prepared for that coming if it is indeed to be a time of rejoicing. Repentance is the key to that preparation. However, repentance must be more than a feeling, and it must be deeper than outward rituals such as water baptism, or tracing one’s descent from Abraham. That repentance must bear fruit in social righteousness—in self-giving and concrete actions of love and mercy toward others.

The Lord is in the midst of us, and so we sing out joyful Alleluias as he comes to us in his Word, and again as he comes to us in the breaking of the bread.