by Justin Holcomb

Introduction

The third Sunday in Advent (Advent III) shifts from a tone of expectation of Christ's coming to one of rejoicing at the arrival of God's kingdom with the coming of Jesus.

The Scripture and Theology of the Third Week of Advent

Scripture readings for Advent III reflect on the salvation and restoration Jesus brings, which is cause for rejoicing and perseverance.

Old Testament Readings

Old Testament readings for Advent III highlight the universal restoration Jesus accomplishes. In Isaiah 35:1-10, the prophet looks forward to the future promised for the people of God - a future inaugurated at the first coming of Christ and consummated at his second coming. When Jesus returns, the effects of sin's curse will be removed: the wildernesses and dry land will blossom, and streams will come forth from the desert. The miracles he did point to his kingdom: "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy" (Isaiah 35:5-6).

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 shows God's concern for those on the fringes of society - those who have no voice of their own and cannot speak for themselves. The Messiah has been anointed by God to bring good news to the poor and liberty to the captives, proclaiming the year of the Lord's favor and the day of God's vengeance. God is one who loves justice and mercy, and in his coming kingdom those who suffer from injustice will be restored. The coming Christ "will save the lame and gather the outcast, and [he] will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth" (Zephaniah 3:19).

Readings from the Psalms

The Psalms for Advent III carry on the theme of the justice and mercy brought about by God's coming kingdom. Psalm 146:4-10 says that the one "who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry" is blessed. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind, lifts up the downcast, keeps watch over sojourners, and upholds widows and orphans (146:8-9). When God brings restoration to his people, there will be laughter and joy, and tears shall be turned into shouts of joy (Psalm 126:5).

New Testament Readings

New Testament readings in the third week of Advent show how believers are motivated to wait patiently for Jesus' return. As 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 says, patience should be accompanied by rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving as well as abstaining from evil. God is faithful, and he is the one who will sanctify us, so Christians can be sure that we will be kept blameless at Christ's second coming. Only God's power can do this, and "He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it" (1 Thess. 5:24). Philippians 4:4-7 continues the theme of rejoicing, because God's peace for those in Christ will guard our hearts and minds.

Gospel Readings

Gospel readings for Advent III return to John the Baptist, but in a way that points from him to Jesus. In Matthew 11:2-11, John hears rumors about what Jesus was doing and asks him (through his disciples) "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" Jesus responds to John's followers: "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them" (Matt. 11:4-5). Jesus' answer is incredibly fitting - "look at what I'm doing," he says. "You know that the Messiah will bring healing to those in need, and that's exactly what I bring."

John the Baptist came as a witness, "to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him" (John 1:8). John came to bear witness about the light, who is Jesus. John claimed, "I am the voice of the one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said." (John 1:23).