Third Week of Advent Reflection (Copy)

Third Sunday of Advent Reflection
December 14, 2025

Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10

Psalm 146: 6-10
Response: Sing to the Lord a new song
for he has done marvelous deed.

James 5: 7-10

Matthew 11:2-11

Be strong, fear not! Here is your God! (Isaiah 35:4)

Take the time to look around you, and with open eyes, mind, and heart, you can see the abiding and real presence of God. God is inviting us to see the wondrous work God does every day in our lives. God fills us with hope as we begin to see with new eyes—the everyday blessings and miracles that surround us.

We can find our strength in knowing God is with us in all circumstances. We have no reason to fear when we place our lives in God’s hands, especially when we are faced with uncertainty about what the future holds. God is here in the present moment, in the here and now. When we accept this reality in the depths of our beings, we are transformed. We have reason to hope. We have reason to find joy even in difficult circumstances, because we know God is with us, Emmanuel.

Wherever our personal journeys take us, whatever challenges we face, we can be strong and fearless because we know God is here with us. We can rejoice in the real and abiding presence of God who works wonders every day. If we shift our perspective to see God in the here and now, we will find that our hearts are filled with gratitude and rejoicing.

Emmanuel – God is with us.

Written by Elizabeth Hebert, SLW
(Metairie, LA)