December 15, 2024
Revised Common Lectionary
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Isaiah 12:2-6
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18
Lectionary for Mass (RC)
Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 (6)
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:10-18
We’ve all heard the song assuring us that “it’s the most wonderful time of the year,” right? With Christmas less than two weeks away, it can feel like the world expects everyone to “be of good cheer,” like the song says.
But this season is often difficult for people whose lives don’t match the rosy images portrayed in heartwarming made-for-TV movies, glowing holiday ads, or cheery songs. Many people face the harsh realities of violence, warfare, abuse, hunger, poverty, unemployment, or discrimination. Still others are experiencing personal struggles, such as grief, addiction, illness, or relationships that are strained or broken. These realities make the call to rejoice—so central to today’s Scriptures—seem paradoxical, even insensitive.
Yet this Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete (“Rejoice”) Sunday, insists on joy. Even though he was writing from prison, Paul urges the members of his beloved community in Philippi—and us—“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice” (Phil 4:4). This exhortation is rooted not in naïve optimism, but in a conviction that “[t]he Lord is near” (Phil 4:5).
This joy is a gift, not something we achieve. The joy of Advent springs from the recognition that God has already come among us. If we are attentive, we can discern the signs of God’s presence even in the midst of pain and brokenness. We can see them in the world around us at this very moment—in people and events, in beauty and acts of kindness, in our praying and our singing together. Opening our eyes to these signs of God’s coming among us allows us to rejoice always, even in times of difficulty or struggle.
Joy in God’s nearness calls us to be transformed both within and without. Rejoicing in God’s presence allows us to let go of anxiety, to live in gratitude and trust, and to turn over our needs and our lives to God in prayer. Paul tells us to let our “gentleness be known to everyone” (Phil 4:5) and John the Baptist provides concrete examples in today’s Gospel: sharing with those in need, practicing honesty and integrity in our work, and treating others with fairness and dignity” (Lk 3:10-14). These are not grand gestures but simple, daily acts of justice and kindness, rooted in the awareness that God is near.
The Scriptures for this Sunday call us to rejoice not just today but always, recognizing that the Holy One is here among us at this very moment. May rejoicing fill up our anxious hearts and may others also come to catch a glimpse of God’s nearness as we live in that joy. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7).
A Hymn for Today: “Surely it is God who saves me”
In place of a psalm, the Lectionary today appoints a canticle from Isaiah that calls us to rejoice in God’s nearness: “Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel” (Is 12:7). This metrical version by Carl P. Daw, Jr., FHS, was created for The Hymnal 1982 of the Episcopal Church (USA) and has appeared in several other hymnals. Listen here.
Surely it is God who saves me;
I shall trust and have no fear;
For the Lord defends and shields me,
And his saving help is near.
So rejoice as you draw water
From salvation’s healing spring;
In the day of your deliv’rance
Thank the Lord, his mercies sing.
Make God’s deeds know to the peoples;
Tell out his exalted Name.
Praise the Lord, who has done great things;
All his works God’s might proclaim.
Zion, lift your voice in singing;
For with you has come to dwell,
In your very midst, the great and
Holy One of Israel.
Text: Isaiah 12:1-6; Carl P. Daw, Jr., b. 1944. © 1982, 1990, Hope Publishing Company. Used by permission under OneLicense #A-729857
Tunes: RAQUEL, THOMAS MERTON, PLEADING SAVIOR
Image Credit: Joy on young kids faces, Nathanael Bakare, 2019, Wikimedia Commons
“Word and Song: A Lectionary Reflection” is written by the Executive Director of The Hymn Society, Rev. Dr. Mike McMahon. For his full bio, click here and scroll down to the “staff” section.
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