On this Sunday the Church reminds us of the call to rejoice. “Be happy at all times,†says St. Paul in today’s second reading. We are called to have so much hope in our hearts and trust in God that we are able to do this in good and bad times. In the Gospel we sense a feeling of anticipation growing among the people. They were beginning to reform their lives, expecting that at any moment the Christ might be revealed to them. They believed that God was faithful, generous and close to them. They had every reason to rejoice.
Does this mean we should go about our daily lives with a constant smile on our face? Well, we could smile more often that we do. We could be more willing to focus on our blessings rather than our problems. As Advent progresses and Christmas draws near, we can have a heightened awareness of God’s presence among us and openness to being changed and blessed by it. Advent is a time to prepare not only materially but also spiritually for the coming of the Lord. It is a time to step outside our busy lives, our tasks and appointments, and simply recognize God’s loving presence in all humanity and in the natural world. Let’s take time today to look up into the sky and be aware of breathing, taking in the fresh God-given air that keeps us alive. Let’s pay special attention to the gift of family and friends. As Christmas draws near, let us join St. Paul in glorifying God for sending Christ to walk alongside us on this earth. Let’s resolve that this year’s Christmas celebration will be a heartfelt and generous community celebration of divine grace.