Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Third Sunday of Advent, Year B
December 17, 2017
Lessons: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28
Theme: God’s faithful and generous people embrace and share joy as they point to the light of Christ.
Key Scriptures: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Preaching/Teaching Reflection
Our lessons for the Third Week of Advent are brimming with joy, hope, and possibility. Jesus is coming! We’re not there yet, but we are surely well on the way. Like John, we are called to point to Emmanuel, to God coming to us in human skin and bones and baby cries and coos. Yes, we are still waiting and anticipating and preparing, but this week we are invited to sit a spell, to take a breather, and to celebrate the reason that we even have this season. And let’s face it folks, we need all the joy we can get these days.
Here’s another thing to remember: Unlike John, we know the rest of the story. We have even more good news to share. We point the way to the light that the darkness of death, sin, and destruction did not overcome and can never overcome. Sure, we are not worthy to tie the strap on Jesus’ sandals, but because of Jesus we ARE made worthy—a fact that is well worth celebrating and sharing.
Yes, friends, as the Psalmist writes, we may sow tears, but we will reap joy. We may go out weeping to plant, but we will harvest a plentiful crop of joy. Because we are stewards of God’s abundance, nothing is lost in the divine economy. It is God’s nature to bring about good things and to seek the best for all of creation. It is God’s will in Jesus to “bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn” (Isaiah 61:1b-2).
What an antidote to the daily news! What hope in the midst of heartache! What possibility in the wake of calamitous events! What joy in this countercultural promise of the Savior of the nations who will wipe away all tears and fill our mouths with song and shouts! There is nothing this world can throw at us, no messages of despair and doubt, no temporal earthly loss or grief, nothing at all that can dampen our Advent joy this day.
This is no Sunday to be a killjoy, no time to “quench the Spirit,” but rather a stellar opportunity to remind one another of this precious good news that we have the privilege of sharing with others. We have seen the light of Christ, and the light has made of us something entirely new. No, we are not the light, but as Jesus followers we are connected to the light source, and therefore we can shine with the best of them, reflecting Christ’s glory and wonder to a world that sorely needs more joy, more hope, and fresh possibility.
Are we there yet? No, not yet. But we are well on our way rejoicing. Christ has come, and Christ is coming again. Look for his light. Point to that inextinguishable light. Reflect that bright and hopeful light. Sing, laugh, dance, and pray with your feet and hands, and invite others into the circle of light that is Christ’s Body here and now.
In Worship
Consider a multi-voice dramatic reading of the Old Testament lesson from Isaiah.
Make a Thanks & Joys “Sonshine” Bulletin Board. Invite worshipers to write on a long strip of yellow paper one thing for which they are thankful or that gives them great joy. Affix these strips of paper like rays around a large yellow circle with the word “Jesus” in the center.
If you preach in an interactive manner, invite worshipers to share their joys of the season with one another. Invite them to share ways they are able to point to Jesus.
With Youth
An Indian proverb says “You can never remove darkness from this world; the only way to remove the darkness is to light a lamp.” How does pointing to the light of Christ light the lamp that removes the darkness? Share with youth that many religions have festivals that involve light. Christians have Advent, Jews have Hanukkah, and Indians have Diwali. Here’s a link to a website that covers many light festivals around the world. Talk about why light is important. Ask youth if they were ever scared of the dark when they were younger. Finish by asking them how they can point others to the light that is Christ.
With Children
Assemble a collection of several mirrors. Make sure they are safe for children to handle. Have a few flashlights available. Talk with the children about how we reflect and point to the light of Christ. Invite them to look in the mirror. Who do they see? Remind them that they reflect Jesus to the world. Give them opportunity to use the lights and mirrors to reflect light around the worship space. Finish with a simple prayer and remind them to go this week and point to Jesus in all that they say and do.
Weekly Stewardship Bulletin Insert
Are you a steward of joy? This week we celebrate God’s promise to turn our mourning into laughter and dancing. The good news we bear is that darkness will not last. Look! Can you see it? Will you share it? A new day is dawning!
Stewardship at Home
John came to point to the light of Christ. He made it very clear that he was not the light himself. We, too, point to the light of Christ. This week spend some time thinking about light sources. For example, check out a video of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). This amazing light show is the result of a solar flare causing a geomagnetic storm.
Light candles and see how just one candle can dispel the darkness. Go outside at night and look at the stars. Walk or drive around neighborhoods and enjoy the Christmas lights. Count how many different light sources you have in your home (candles, flashlights, lamps, electric lights, a fireplace, nightlights).
You might even want to consider making a small donation to ELCA World Hunger or Lutheran Disaster Response for every time you turn on a light this week. Give thanks for the gift of light, and remember to point to Christ as Christmas draws near.
Photos: Susanne Nilsson, Phing, and llya Yakubovich, Creative Commons. Thanks!
Note: Reprint rights granted to congregations and other church organizations for local, nonprofit use. Just include this note: “Copyright (c) 2017, Rev. Sharron Blezard. Used by Permission.” Other uses, please inquire: thewritelife@hotmail.com.
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