JOY Sunday says it all. The third Sunday of Advent is marked by the pink- or rose-colored candle in the wreath in many traditions. It is the one where we are reminded of the news that shall be a great JOY to all people—the news that Emmanuel is born, God with us. And we stand in the promise even today, even here, in this place, in your place – God is with you. There can be no greater JOY than that.
The 3rd Sunday of Advent
Scriptures: Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10 and Matthew 11:2-11
Message; “Be Patient”
Isaiah 35:1-10
Joy of the Redeemed
(1) The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, (2) it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.
(3) Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;
(4) say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”
(5) Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
(6) Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
(7) The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.
(8) And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it.
(9) No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there,
(10) and the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
James 5:7-10
(7) Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. (8) You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. (9) Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
(10) Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Matthew 11:2-11
(2) When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples (3) to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
(4) Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: (5) The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. (6) Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
(7) As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? (8) If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. (9) Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. (10) This is the one about whom it is written: ” ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ (11) I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
This is the word of God, for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
On this 3rd Sunday of Advent as we light the Shepherds Candle. Do you think in later years ,the shepherds asked the same question as John the Baptist that we read in the gospel reading today. “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matt. 11:3) It’s an important question we should ask ourselves this Advent season. Because as Advent seasons come and go, we often loose are excitement about the coming of the Son of God.
We light the pink candle that represents love and faithfulness. And do you really know what is required to love God, to have faith in Him? James tells us to persevere and to persevere requires us to, “Be patient”.
If you have children excited about Christmas, I bet you’ve had to tell them more than one time to, “Be Patient”. Their excitement is building knowing that Christmas will soon be here. Children have made their Christmas wish lists of all the wonderful things they desire. Some might have had long lists while others might have subtracted an item or two, still others might have added a few more gifts during the past weeks. We have heard people ask, “What do you want for Christmas?” Most of us, young and old alike, have no problem sharing our wish list with anyone who asks.
But in our mad rush to Christmas, we need to pause and ask ourselves two very important questions: What do you really want? And what will make a difference in your life this Christmas? Our goal, come Christmas Day, is to be different as a result of the Love, we have for God and to know the answer to John’s question: “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” For that to happen it requires Faith, and to be faithful is to, “Be Patient”.
As James puts it: “Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” That is patience requires faith. And to have faith also requires acceptance of what that faith brings. James’s continued : “As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.”
It takes time and patience to reach worthwhile goals in life. Students know they have to finish school before embarking on a career. It takes years and a lot of hard work to reach their goals. The person starting a new job knows it takes time to fully understand their tasks and responsibilities. There are certain things in life that cannot be “fast-forwarded” to get to the good part.
A few years ago, I read that a lady was searching for the perfect birthday card for her husband. She came across a promising one. On the outside it read: “Sweetheart, you’re the answer to my prayers.” Then she turned to the inside, which was inscribed like this: “You’re not what I prayed for exactly, but apparently you are the answer.”
In a strange way, I will bet that’s something like what was running through John’s mind as he sat there in that prison. As Matthew tells us John the Baptist, in prison was having a hard time being patient. He and his people had hoped and prayed for years for a Messiah, one anointed by God to lead the nation, a deliverer who would vanquish occupying forces, conquer all enemies, establish a great kingdom, and usher in an era of peace and prosperity. John had come to believe that the prayers had been answered. The Messiah was none other than his own cousin, Jesus of Nazareth.
John ministry led many to repent and be baptized until his recent arrest. Even though he located himself out in the wilderness near the Jordan, great crowds came to hear him. He had powerful words of the need for repentance from sin and right living. He certainly wasn’t afraid to mince words, he was abrasive, insulting, almost mean at times. And that is not to mention his weird clothes of camel’s hair, and not too appetizing diet of locusts and wild Honey.
But still, all sorts of people had come to hear his preaching. Matthew 3:5 tells us: ”People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea in the whole region of the Jordan”. His fame had become such that even the hoity-toity religious types made their way out to the desert to see him. He insulted them along with everybody else, all to prepare the nation for the coming of Messiah. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near”, he would proclaim! “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”(Matt. 3:2, 8-12) Tough stuff.
Then there was that magnificent day when Jesus came to the Jordan. John knew that he, Jesus, was the Messiah. The one who would baptize with Holy Spirit. Just as the shepherds knew when they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby who was lying in the manger. They also spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child and all who heard it were amazed at what they said to them. We don’t know the rest of the shepherd’s story, but we do know the rest of John’s story.
After that day when Jesus came to be baptized by John, the two went their separate ways. John continued with his powerful public proclamation. Jesus with his somewhat different approach.
No doubt John noticed. John was out there in the wilderness with locusts for lunch while Jesus was changing water into wine. John screamed at sinners; Jesus ate dinner with them. John preached fire and brimstone; Jesus preached “love one another.” Probably not what John had imagined.
In our text today, John is in prison on death row. A filthy, nasty, foul and dark place. He had preached just one sermon too many, and this one mixed religion with politics, dangerous anytime.
As Luke recorded for us, king Herod Antipas had taken up with his half-niece, Herodias, problem enough according to Jewish Law, but it seems she was already married to his own brother, making it all the worse. John was an old school kind of preacher and thundered that such ought not to be. Truth be told, powerful people do not like to be challenged by powerful preaching, then or now. They ignore it if they can, but when the people start to listen in, they do what they can to silence it. Apparently, the people of Judea were listening (and probably laughing at the palace soap opera). So, Herod had John locked up in prison. We’re told in Luke 3:1-19.
While in prison John has time to think. He remembers the high hopes he had about Jesus being the Messiah. He had been prepared for the revolution and would have been the first to volunteer to join Jesus’ forces. But time went on…and on…and on. No call to arms. In fact, the reports that had been coming in, gave no clue that Jesus was thinking about overthrowing Caesar or Herod or anybody else.
There were some intriguing stories of miraculous occurrences in places where Jesus was, but no revolution. John had to be pondering to himself. The Messiah? The answer to our nation’s prayers? Well, Jesus, if you are, you are not what we prayed for.
No one knows how John got his question to his followers. There were probably no modern niceties like Visiting Hours in ancient dungeons. But he did. They come to Jesus and relay John’s question: “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus had an interesting response, don’t you think? Instead of answering straight out, he says, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see.” In other words, Jesus tells them, Tell John to Be Patient: ”Go back and report to John what you hear and see; The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.” (Matt.11:4,5)
Words like that of the prophet Isaiah, that indicated to an oppressed people that they were not alone, their God was with them. But no direct response to John’s question. Instead, Jesus tells them this intriguing line, “Blessed is the man who does not fall away because of me.” What Jesus is saying is, “Be Patient”. The Messiah has not come to ride into town on a white stallion, ready to lead an army or ascend to a throne. It sounds as if he is saying, “Go tell John that things may not be working out the way he imagined, but more and more, in surprising places, marvelous things are happening.” So, ”Be Patient”!
Now John’s disciples depart and, as they do, Jesus turns to the crowd that had gathered (and presumably folks who had previously gone out to hear John) and asks them, “What did you go out into the desert to see?” (Did you go there on a nature walk to see?) “A reed swayed by the wind? “Of course not. “If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces,” says Jesus. Yes, John’s clothes were unique. He was certainly not a fashion designer. “Then what did you go out to see?” Jesus asks. “A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.” And then he goes on to place John in the forefront of the most revered voices of God. But with a side note he adds: “yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
Who was it that Jesus was speaking of? How can those least in the kingdom of heaven be greater than John? Jesus affirmed both the greatness of John the Baptist and the greater privileges Believers enjoy. Great as he was, John served only as the forerunner who announced the kingdom was near, like the shepherds. So, who are the least in the kingdom of heaven that are greater than John? It’s those who believe in the promises of God and go and tell others what God has done in their lives, and patiently wait for his return.
Waiting patiently does not mean that we just do nothing. We do not passively sit in our easy chairs and wait but instead continue to participate in what Jesus calls us and expects us to do. Like the shepherds we are to go and tell others what Christ has done in our lives.
“Be Patient”, keep your focus by concentrating on what really matters in your life, your relationship with Jesus Christ. It is easy, especially this time of year, to get sidetracked and lose our way. Remember being busy is not a substitute for being faithful. We keep our focus this season on God’s most precious gift — Jesus Christ. We need to let go of everything else and concentrate on what really matters.
So, to answer the questions, what do you really want? And what will make a difference in your life this Christmas? It’s to “Be Patient” and Love one another and Christ loves you.
I read a story I would like to share with you today. It went something like this.
The rebellion of a teenage daughter was breaking her mother’s heart. Their struggle reached its zenith when a young girl was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. After posting bail for her daughter, the two did not speak until the next afternoon. When they came together, the woman handed her daughter a small, wrapped gift. The girl flippantly opened it and was exasperated by what she saw. The box contained a small rock. She rolled her eyes and asked, “What’s this for? “Her mother simply replied, “Read the card“. She did and was overcome by the words inside. Tears began streaming down her cheeks as she reached out to embrace her mom. The card said, “This rock is more than a million years old. That’s how long it will take before I give up on you.“
That’s an example of how to, “Be Patient”. God patiently waits on us with his unrelenting and enduring love. We will do well to use the same strategy to break through to love one another.
We’ve made our lists and checked them twice. We know exactly what we want. However, only Jesus knows what we really need. There is a difference between what we want and what we really need. Only Jesus knows the difference. Jesus will soon be here; will we be ready? “Be Patient” and Love one another and Christ loves you. Amen.
In His Service
Pastor Joe
Listen To Audio: Sermon 20221211
Listen To Audio: Service 12112022
Prayer of Confession: We confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to fulfill your desire for us to love one another. We have rebelled against your love. We have not loved our neighbors. Free us for JOYFUL obedience, through the Advent of Christ, Our Lord, Our Messiah, Our Hope. Amen
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pastor Joe will be available at the church on Thursday morning from 11 to 1. If you need to speak to him, contact Pastor Joe at 570-267-4570 (cell) or Email: joe.s.travis@gmail.com
Loose change goes to Kenya, Rev. Malaho
Sunday School starts at 8:30am
Choir practice will be on Thursday at 1:00!
Our mission for “Noel” starts today through the end of the year.
LADIES’ CHRISTMAS TEA at the Montrose Bible Conference, December 13th 2022. 11am to 1 pm
Rev. Al Hickok will bring the message on December 18th.
Men’s Breakfast, Wednesday December 21st at 8:00 A.M.
Newsletter Deadline – Tuesday December 27th, 2022.
Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 P.M.
Christmas Day Service at 9:30 A.M.
Please sign up to host one of the social hours on the Sunday after Communion Service on the first Sunday of the month.
Listen to WPEL 96.5 for church cancellation if your internet is down during a storm this winter.
