12/14/2025
Reflection for Advent 3: Joy
Advent is for joy: But what is the cause of our rejoicing?
Is it merry-making and cheerful meetings,
Libations and luxuries and living life to the full?
What of Mary’s Magnificat, and its mentions
Of the scattered proud, and the lifted lowly,
the filled-hungry and sent-away rich?
What of her son-messiah, anointed to proclaim
Good news to the poor, the binding of the broken,
Liberating captives and proclaiming God’s favor?
That is the real joy of Advent:
Rescue, redemption, release, and rebirth!
Advent IS for joy, but a joy more abundant than any one season can contain.
And we are invited to be on the lookout for where God is at work in the world.