Advent 15

Sunday, Third Week of Advent
11 December 2022

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” - Philippians 4:4

Paul writes these words with confidence from a prison cell to point the church in Philippi to Jesus. This four chapter letter is filled with rejoicing and joy because in all circumstances, Paul knows that the Spirit of Jesus Christ is working in and through him. The struggles we face are ways we suffer with Christ, and in suffering with Christ, we are also saved through Christ. 

Paul calls us to unity with one another through our oneness in Jesus,

6 “Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:6-11).”

The third week of Advent is marked by joy because we celebrate the significance of Jesus’ birth for each of us, and all of humanity. My favorite album in the Advent season proclaims this truth by calling us to:
“Sing out with joy for the brave little boy 
Who was God, but He made Himself nothin’
Well, He gave up His pride
And He came here to die like a man”
 - Andrew Peterson, “Gather’ Round, Ye Children, Come,” Behold the Lamb of God.

In the midst of your struggles and sufferings, rejoice! The time of Jesus’ birth draws near. Take joy in our God and Savior! 
 
I will say it again: Rejoice!
 
Eric Lintala ’16