3rd Sunday of Advent
Zep 3:14-18
Phi 4:4-7
Lk 3:10-18
“Brothers and Sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: Rejoice!”
In the readings today, the common theme across all passages revolves around the word “Rejoice”. Oftentimes, Christians are reminded of how we should be rejoicing because we have been redeemed by the sacrificial lamb in Jesus Christ and are now sons and daughters of God. Scripture also makes it emphatically clear that rejoicing is a duty of the people of God. Nevertheless, in spite of that crystal-clear emphasis, so many Christians continue to believe that to rejoice is somewhat of an ancillary, incidental footnote to the Christian life.
In reality, we may not be rejoicing like we should because we are looking for happiness outside of God; focusing on worldly concerns rather than the spiritual joy found in our faith. We might be struggling with personal challenges that overshadow the joy, or simply not actively cultivating a mindset of gratitude and praise for the blessings we have in Christ. Essentially, our joy might be hindered by seeking fulfilment in things other than our relationship with God.
So how do we “rejoice always”? The practical answer is not surprising; It requires both an attitude and an action. An important fact to remember is that even biblical characters had challenges when it came to rejoicing. Job is a perfect example of one who did not go through life being always happy and without sorrows. Certainly, rejoicing is not in his cards when he lost his health, his family, his livelihood, ripped his clothes off, shaved his head, fell to the ground and screamed at God. Even Jesus himself did not live a life devoid of distress. Scripture tells that he was a “man of sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3). Nonetheless, to rejoice is not merely a superficial emotional response to the circumstances of life. We may find it easier to rejoice when things are going well; but that is the superficial definition, which the world adopts. Paul, in his letters, speaks of rejoicing in our afflictions while he was imprisoned by the Romans. Rather than some masochistic approach to sufferings, Paul is referencing the virtue that was produced through the experience of pain. With afflictions comes honest lamenting. We were meant to express our pain, sometimes in an extreme fashion, like Job. But our lament does not lead to despair; it leads to trust. Even when we rage, we choose to rage at God. While we display our raw emotions to God, at the same time, we believe that eventually, God will deliver us through the darkest valleys against our own feelings. In doing so, we are actually demonstrating our trust in God.
Rather than an emotion of happiness, to rejoice in something is to be glad in the Lord (Psalm 32:11). Not in our external circumstances; not in the pleasures of life. Only through regular prayer, scripture reading and intentional practicing of gratitude will we be able to rejoice and be glad in the Lord, while living out lives filled with turmoil and sufferings.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Dylan Tan)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we come before You today, we are reminded of the profound joy found in Your salvation. In a world where happiness can be fleeting and circumstantial, Your salvation offers a deep, abiding joy that is both enduring and unshakeable. Help us to continually rejoice in this great gift, never taking for granted the grace and mercy You have bestowed on us through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
Thanksgiving: Lord Jesus, we are grateful for all that you have done for us and for your unwavering love and grace. Thank you for always being with us to guide us through the darkest moments in our lives. Let us place our trust completely and surrender our lives to you. Amen.
OXYGEN 
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