I rejoice heartily in the LORD,
in my God is the joy of my soul. (Isaiah 61:1)

The word “rejoice” appears throughout this Sunday’s Scripture, and it is a wonderful reminder to wait in Advent with joyful anticipation of God’s great gift to the world. The promised Messiah described in the prophecy of Isaiah is cause for rejoicing because He will come to renew the world: “As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, so will the Lord GOD make justice and praise spring up before all the nations.”

Saint Paul echoes the importance of a joyful spirit and celebrating our life with the Trinity: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.”

The presence of Christ in our midst as we live out our discipleship today should have us rejoicing because He has provided all that we need to live in love with Him and with our sisters and brothers. In these last days of Advent, we have a wonderful opportunity to wait patiently for Christ to fill our emptiness and calm our restless hearts. Jesus came into the world when the world was unsettled under the Roman occupation. He offered peace that comes from doing the will of God and living authentic lives grounded in the truth of the Gospel. Jesus comes this Christmas when the world remains unsettled. Should we not be spending the days ahead doing less complaining and more thinking and praying about what we will ask of Jesus for the world and for ourselves? While we wait, can we imagine a life and a world that is better because Jesus has graced us with his presence? Can we admit this Christmas that we are loved by God in Jesus so much that our presence is grace to another? Rejoice!

Wishing you many blessings as Christmas draws near,