Joy is the overarching theme of the Third Sunday of Advent. This is why the third candle on the Advent wreath is pink (rose)—it represents the shepherds’ joy and the nearness of Christ’s birth. As Christians, our joy fundamentally stems from our profound faith in Jesus, who lifts us from loneliness, suffering, hopelessness, and death. As this Sunday’s readings tell us, He “gives sight to the blind; raises up those who were bowed down; loves the just; protects strangers.” In Him, “the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.”
Our Second Reading from the Letter of James urges us to be patient in our struggles and firm in our faith. Though feelings of desolation are a part of our lives, keeping our faith in Jesus guarantees us times of consolation and joy. Thus, we must indeed be patient and hopeful.
As Christians, we must also remember that joy comes not only from having material possessions, successful careers, recognition, and titles, but also from being kind and generous, serving others, and connecting meaningfully with our loved ones, friends, and community. It arises from deep friendships and true companionships. Furthermore, joy springs from nurturing creativity, learning new things, encountering new friends, and surrendering peacefully to our present stage of life.
On this Third Sunday of Advent, let us listen to our hearts and see if we are truly experiencing joy. Where does it come from? If we are not experiencing joy, what will it take to attain it? We cannot merely sit around and expect it to happen to us. As the Letter of James tells us, faith without works is dead.
Therefore, this Advent, consider doing something good for others and for yourself, focusing on your well-being and spiritual growth. Commit to these actions as a family as well. Here are examples I found on Google:
Acts of Kindness
Serve the Lonely: Visit residents in nursing homes or guests at shelters.
Help Neighbors: Offer assistance to elderly neighbors with groceries or yard work.
Acts of Mercy: Perform daily acts like feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, or offering a kind word.
Random Acts: Call a distant friend, write handwritten notes, or babysit for someone.
Prayer & Spiritual Growth
Daily Readings: Read the daily
Scripture readings for Advent.
Confession: Make a special effort to go to Confession.
Silence: Practice moments of silence to quiet the noise of the world.
Sacrifice: Give up something neutral or good (like complaining) to focus more on God.
Family & Home Activities
Bake Together: Make Christmas cookies or treats for others.
Build a Manger: Create a nativity scene as a family project.
Thank You Notes: Write notes of gratitude to family members.
Focus on Meaning
Homemade Gifts: Create thoughtful gifts such as jam or cookies instead of purchasing expensive items.
Read Stories: Share children’s books that convey the true meaning of Christmas to teach valuable lessons and foster understanding.
Have a joyful Advent!
Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California