Christian Reflection and Prayer

Third Sunday Sunday of Advent

[Light the first and second candles
of the Advent wreath.]

If Jesus comes to us again at Christmas this
year, and if Jesus dwells within each of us,
shouldn't that make a difference in who we
are and how we live our lives? Hear these
words from 1st Thessalonians:

    "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is
the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

    "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise
the words of the prophets, but test everything;
hold fast to what is good; abstain from every
form of evil."

    "May the God of peace himself sanctify
you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and
body be kept sound and blameless at the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

    "The one who calls you is faithful, and he will
do this." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)

If we seek Jesus, who is born in the manger,
shouldn’t we:

…be at peace among ourselves?
   …help the weak and the poor?
      …not repay evil for evil, but always do good
to one another?
         …in all circumstances, give thanks?

[Light the third candle of the Advent wreath.]

As we light this third candle, let us remember that
this is the will of God in Christ Jesus, who comes to us.

COME, LORD JESUS. AMEN.