3rd Sunday in Advent

Year C:  December 16, 2012

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “At that time I will bring you home, at that time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the people’s of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord.” Zephaniah speaks to a people weighed down by great distress. “God brings good news to all people through the promise of Messiah and the final kingship of the Lord.” (Moland-Kovash, Seth, Feasting on the Word, Year C: Volume 1, p 55). This is a time to pray and work for restoration in our lives and the lives of neighbors around the world.  This is also the time to tell stories of restoration and to witness the joy that restoration brings. The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree is a story of hardship, love, restoration, and joy.

Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7

The Christmas Witch by Steven Kellogg

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment:  Paul tells us that through Jesus, we will know God’s peace. God’s peace affects the way we feel inside and the way we live out our lives. We are moving closer to the day where we celebrate Christ’s coming into a world in need of God’s peace. The Christmas Witch  is the story of a world in need of peace. Gloria is empowered to live a life of gentleness when she learns of Christmas, and she has a desire to share that joy with others. Like Paul, she encourages her friends to discover joy, gentleness, and peace within themselves. “Remember how happy you were when the magic of Christmas entered your hearts…” They seek to live in a new way, filled with love and light.As we journey through Advent, may we also be changed the magic of Christmas and the peace that comes through Christ Jesus.

Gospel Reading: Luke 3:7-18

Just Right for Christmas by Birdie Black

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: John calls the people to repent and change their ways. They are called to a life of sharing and fairness.  This way of living envisions a world of enough, where people’s needs are met. John even encourages tax collectors to “collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” This time of year can easily become consumed by Christmas wish lists and over indulging on sweet treats. We get sucked into a trance of more, more, more! John’s words remind us to consider our needs in regard to the needs of others. Birdie Black’s story is one that celebrates the idea of there being enough for everyone. Rather than throwing scraps away, they are used, as everyone has need, to create a bright Christmas for the ones they love.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, December 16, 2012 by Storypath is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.