Third Sunday of Advent

 Lectionary: 8

I rejoice heartily in the LORD,
in my God is the joy of my soul;
for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation
and wrapped me in a mantle of justice,
like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem,
like a bride bedecked with her jewels.

W ith the rapid approach of Christmas and the arrival of Guadete Sunday, despite the penitential character of the season, Catholics allow themselves to rejoice heartily in the LORD, for he has clothed us with robes of salvation, and wrapped us in mantles of justice.

The Roman Church celebrated the Nativity of Jesus in late December, to counter the solstice festivities of ancient, pagan Rome. Orthodox Catholics still celebrate the Nativity on January 6. But the scriptures indicate a vernal celebration.The earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up. 

Saint Luke tells us Mary bore her first born son -- the Lamb of God -- while shepherds were watching their flocks by night, because in springtime the ewes might bring forth their lambs, at any time, day or night. The Lord also urged his disciples to notice that summer is near when the fig tree blossoms. 

Isaiah may also be describing the flourishing of spring in a later chapter, 

Let justice descend, you heavens, like dew from above,

like gentle rain let the clouds drop it down.

Let the earth open and salvation bud forth;

let righteousness spring up with them!

In the depths of winter, Christmas anticipates the joy, rebirth, and new life of Spring. If the spring is entirely focused on Easter, we know there can be no Easter without a Messiah who is born of woman and lives among us. 

The birth of a child is a happy occasion in any event. Infants represent the future; and especially in our time we expect them to see wonders we cannot imagine. They will know unexpected blessings even as they face unprecedented challenges. The ever widening scope of knowledge, coupled with the reckless rush of  science and technology will be met by the overwhelming challenges of mass migration and climate change. 

We are almost afraid to contemplate the future, given those prospects, but we can also reassure the infants as we teach them the meaning of Emmanuel. God will go with you; he has never abandoned us and he will not abandon you.

Rejoice and be glad, little ones, for your happiness in God's presence will be sublime.