Our Ministries
11 Dec

Third Sunday of Advent

Turn on the Lights!

“A man named John was sent from God…to testify to the light.” In the darkness of our days these past nine months, we too have been challenged to testify to the light—Jesus! We sing in our hearts during pandemic times, “Ready the Way of the Lord.” Advent candlelight reminds us of faith, love, joy, and hope. Our readings invoke us to tell of the greatness of God’s work in our lives. We are anointed and sent to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to release prisoners.

Like John, we are also sent from God to testify to the light—to speak of how Jesus is calling each of us. Who are the people most in need of compassion to whom we are called to bring God’s love? How are we singing our personal “Magnificat?” As we reflect on the great things God has done for us, do we recognize our blessings, personally and communally? Do we express gratitude? How are we called to bring glad tidings?

Christmas is always about lights. We put them on trees, both indoors and outdoors. We decorate our homes with them. It can be difficult and time-consuming work to string those lights! But this labor of love this year, I think, has even greater significance. We are invited to focus on how each of us brings light to this world we live in! We illuminate, brighten, and enlighten. We can bring clarity to situations and decisions. We can light up the face of someone homebound with a phone call or letter or gift left at the front door. We can lighten the burdens of those who are suffering job loss, food insecurity, eviction notices. We can light candles as we pray unceasingly for our brothers and sisters who have lost loved ones to the covid virus, for those who survived the infection but are living with lingering effects, for the medical professionals and the related workers. We can “leave the light on” for anyone who just needs to talk and to have someone listen!

Jesus is the reason for the season! Jesus is the Light of the World! Jesus is the promise of mercy! Let it be so for each of us and all those we love!

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