“Say to those who are afraid: Have courage, do not fear. See, your God comes, demanding justice.” (Isaiah 35:4)

On this Third Sunday of Advent, the readings are inviting us to wait on the Lord. The meaning of the season of Advent is also the same. We are asked to wait in preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Christ and the return of Christ at the second coming.

The third candle we light today is a rose colored candle and it symbolizes joy. It is also called the Shepherd’s Candle, it reminds us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus.

The first reading invites us to remember the Lord we always trust. We may be going through difficult times in these days of festivity with financial issues or social, psychological or even spiritual conflicts. But the Lord is talking to us and asking us to remember that He’s watching over us individually and all our problems are known to the Lord. He knows exactly what we need and He knows the perfect timing.

Personally, this year has been quite challenging with the situations we had to face as a nation and it directly affected our day-to-day lives. But God has taken care of every little thing that we did not know that even existed or that could have come up in the future and affected us. Isn’t this the faithfulness of our God? His hand on us will never leave us.

We are asked and reminded to trust in Him. He is promising miracles to those in need and joy to those who are weeping. He is the maker of heaven and earth. This is what we need to remind ourselves each time we fall. Everything we see and feel is His, our Father’s. He knows what we need and He provides everything we need.

So why waste our time worrying? We should rather change that time of worrying to time of praise and worship like how we learned in the prayer of Nehemiah. We need to claim the promises He has already given us. This is the joy we need to celebrate today.

God promised us salvation and He sent His only Son to this world just as He promised. Jesus has promised His second coming which will also take place in His time.

Holding on seems unrealistic and unexciting only when we are impatient. And we become impatient when we do not trust someone. The second reading reminds us that patience is the key to this joy He is promising us. ‘’Be patient, and do not lose heart, because the Lord’s coming is near.’’ (James 5:8)

Prayer: Abba Father, give me the strength to wait upon Your promises. Amen.