PRAYER FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Ever-living God,
may we, your people,
who look forward to the birthday of Christ
experience the joy of salvation,
and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving.
We ask this through our Brother Jesus the Christ, your Beloved,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Church’s Opening Prayer for the Third Sunday of Advent — the Sacramentary 1985.
REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28
In John’s Gospel, John the Baptist is asked, “Who are you?” When we meet someone new we want to ask, “Who are you?” In Pittsburgh this question goes like this, “What parish did you grow up in?” “What high school did you go to?” “Do you know this or that person?” “Yes, that’s my cousin!” “Then we are related!” Pittsburgh is a great big small town.
John answers who are you? by saying, “I am a voice crying out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the LORD.” John is who he is by naming his connection to Jesus. Our connections define who we are.
Jesus is having a birthday party, and you are invited. Will you be there? Who are you?