Grasping the Grace

of the Advent Season

- week 3 -

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Well, here we are. It is the mid-point of th Advent Season. Today is the Third Sunday of Advent and we are focusing on the ministry and preaching of John the Baptist who has been appointed by God, from birth, to be the one who prepares the way for the ministry, miracles and preaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. Next Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Advent IS THE Sunday before Christmas Day. Throughout the four Sundays of Advent we hear again from the Gospel Readings about our need to be spiritually ready for the return of Christ, not as Saviour, he has already come as Saviour. The next time He comes as Judge of all people.
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The Gospel for the First Sunday of Advent focuses our hearts and thoughts firmly on the Lord Jesus Christ. Advent is a time for preparation for the true worship of the birth of Christ. We are reminded by the Gospel that we are to be ready - as Jesus may return at anytime - therefore be on your guard. Advent begins by issuing an invitation to the "hope" of eternal life.
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On the Second Sunday of Advent, we are introduced to the strange character we know as John the Baptist. The Gospel reading for this day is about preparing a highway - a highway fit for a king - for the one who is to come. John the Baptist preached a message of repentance and for his outspoken ways was imprisoned, then later beheaded. The powers thought they had silenced him. Advent reminds us that "truth" cannot be silenced - no matter who has power, and we are to greet with joyful hearts the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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On the Third Sunday of Advent, which is today, we remember how John the Baptist, fearless in his preaching, proclaiming the good news and calling sinners to repent and return to God. John is now in prison. Soon he will be dead. Murdered to satisfy a capricious whim of a woman angered by John’s preaching.
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The Fourth Sunday of Advent - we read in the Gospel the story of the promised Messiah. It is a "love" story as we hear how God chose Mary to be the means through whom God, who so loved the world would send his Son to be the Saviour of the world. Matthew’s Gospel is one full of promise. As we come to the mid-point of the Advent Season, we reflect on the hope, joy, peace and love of this season, as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.
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The Reading this week tell the story of Jesus from the persepctive of Matthew. In Matthew’s Gospel, Joseph, not Mary is the principal actor. Notice Joseph’s dreams. I am dreaming of a Christ filled Christmas. I trust you are too. You might want to read this story at one sitting - the reread again slowly.
M. MATTHEW 1 :18-25 THE BIRTH OF JESUS THE CHRIST.
T. MATTHEW 2:1-12 THE VISIT OF THE WISE MEN -MAGI.
W. MATTHEW 2:15-18 THE HOLY FAMILY ESCAPES TO EGYPT.
T. MATTHEW 2:19-23 RETURNING HOME TO NAZARETH
F. MATTHEW 3;1-12 THE MESSAGE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
S. MATTHEW 3:13-18 THE BAPTISM OF JESUS AT THE JORDAN
S. MATTHEW 4:1-17 JESUS’ TEMPTATION - MINISTRY BEGINS