We Have Good News!

Reflecting on the Third Sunday of Advent: Two Days After Sunday (Year C)

Scripture

Psalter: Isaiah 11:1-9

Old Testament: Numbers 16:20-35

Epistle: Acts 28:23-31

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Prayer

God of joy and exultation, you strengthen what is weak; you enrich the poor and give hope to those who live in fear. Look upon our needs this day. Make us grateful for the good news of salvation and keep us faithful in your service until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives for ever and ever. Amen.

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Reflection

One of the great hymns of Christmas is “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice.”

Good Christian friends, rejoice

with heart and soul and voice;

give ye heed to what we say:

Jesus Christ was born today.

Give heed to what we say. The word “gospel” means “good news.” All of us like receiving good news. I remember how excited Carol and I were when we received the good news that we were going to be grandparents for the first time. We couldn’t wait to share that news with others. Our excitement didn’t diminish when we received the good news three additional times that another grandchild would be added to the fold.

Every Advent and Christmas season we sing, preach, and live in our celebrations the Good News in capital letters; the best news of human history is that a child has been born to us. We like to say that Jesus is the reason for the season. Jesus is also the reason we celebrate. His birth is Good News.

After St. Paul’s encounter with the risen Christ on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:1-19), Paul began to preach the Good News and nothing would deter him, not even house arrest in Rome. For two years in confinement, he welcomed all witnessed to the saving love of Jesus to all who would listen. Why was the apostle so relentless in his preaching? The third verse of our hymn tells us:

Good Christian friends, rejoice

with heart and soul and voice;

now ye need not fear the grave:

Jesus Christ was born to save!

Calls you one and calls you all

to gain his everlasting hall.

Christ was born to save!

Christ was born to save!

Acts 28:3-31 states, “He [Paul] lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”

So in all things in the holy season, let us sing and speak and celebrate with all boldness because we know what Paul knew—the birth of Jesus is indeed Good News!

Christ was born to save!

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