Today is Dec. 21, Saturday of the Third Week of Advent.
At today’s Mass we read, “Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals” (Zep 3:16-17).
This Advent, as we prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ, we are reminded of God’s abiding presence and the joy He brings to His people. The prophet Zephaniah speaks of a God who is “in your midst,” a mighty Savior who not only redeems but rejoices over His people. This image of God rejoicing, singing, and renewing His beloved in love calls us to embrace the hope and gladness of the season, even amid trials.
The Holy Land, the birthplace of this hope, has experienced profound darkness. Last year, in the shadow of the Israel-Hamas war, the patriarchs and heads of the churches in Jerusalem called for a subdued Christmas, encouraging a quieter commemoration to stand in solidarity with the suffering. Gone were the decorations in Bethlehem’s famous Manger Square. Their intention was noble, but by their own admission, the decision was misunderstood by many, who perceived it as a “cancellation of Christmas” in the very place of Christ’s nativity. This misunderstanding dimmed the unique light of the Christian witness, a light that proclaims joy and peace even in the midst of sorrow.
A call for renewed celebration
This year, Church leaders have called for a renewed celebration of Christmas — a return to public signs of Christian hope while remaining sensitive to the suffering that persists. Their message resonates deeply with Zephaniah’s prophecy. In the same way that the prophet proclaimed God’s joy and renewal for Zion during a time of great difficulty, so too does the Church in the Holy Land proclaim that the light of Christ shines brightest in the darkness.
The call to celebrate Christmas with both joy and compassion reminds us of the angels’ announcement to the shepherds in Bethlehem: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Lk 2:10). The angels proclaimed this message to shepherds who lived amid Roman occupation and political unrest. The message of Christ’s birth brought hope and peace, not just for a select few but for all mankind.
As we light the candles of our Advent wreaths in these final days before Christmas, may we remember that the light of Christ is not diminished by hardship. Instead, it pierces the darkness, offering renewal and hope. Like the Christians in Bethlehem this year, we are called to witness to this light with both celebration and sensitivity. We can rejoice in the birth of our Savior while also praying for and giving generously to those who suffer, echoing the angels’ message of peace and goodwill.
Let us pray,
Hear in kindness, O Lord, the prayers of your people, that those who rejoice at the coming of your only begotten Son in our flesh may, when at last he comes in glory, gain the reward of eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
