A Reason to Rejoice

This Sunday is the third Sunday in Advent. Historically, the third Sunday in Advent is known as “Gaudete” (Latin for “Rejoice!”) Sunday, based on the first word of the traditional Introit (something like our processional hymn) for that day.

The emphases of the first two Sundays in Advent are largely repentance and preparation for the coming of the Lord in judgment, with the first Sunday focusing on the Second Coming of Christ, and the second Sunday focusing on John the Baptist’s call to prepare for the coming of the Lord.

However, the tone shifts on the third Sunday, moving from “fear and trembling” to hopeful expectation and longing. We hear that the coming of the Messiah is a demonstration of God’s desire to heal and restore his broken creation rather than calling down fire from heaven to destroy.

This is the gospel, which means, “good news,” and I can think of no better time of year for this gospel than December, when the brokenness of creation is on full display. We pursue gratification and satisfaction in material things, we feel pressured to buy things we, and others, don’t need to the point of taking on debt – encouraged by a perception that doing so will help “the economy,” and we feel deep pain when the picture of Christmas painted in popular media – a healthy, prosperous extended family around a nicely trimmed tree with presents spilling out underneath – is a far cry from our own.

Jesus comes into the midst of this brokenness to bring healing, forgiveness, and hope. He allows us to align our vision with the vision of God, which is one of finding our satisfaction and identity in him, and thus we have freedom to “opt-out” of the idolatrous chaos of modern “Christmas.”

Our gospel text this Sunday is taken from Matthew 11, which is a conversation between Jesus and some disciples of John the Baptist. Later in the chapter, after explaining his identity as Messiah, he gives this invitation to all who will listen: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11.28-30).

If you can resonate with feeling weary and burdened, and if you long for deep rest, if you recognize the brokenness of God’s good creation, the brokenness of your own heart, come to Jesus. He is longing to remove the heavy burdens from your heart, your mind, and your body, to set you free from the things that keep us from living the life that God intends. The longing in our hearts for freedom has been answered, and that answer is Jesus. He has come, he is waiting. Rejoice, rejoice indeed.

Peace,

Chris