Christmas is one of the most important events in human history as we celebrate the mystery of God coming down to be with us. He took our human nature to be one of us, to liberate us from the of death caused by the disobedience of Adam and Eve. This event happened about 2000 years ago when Jesus was born in Bethlehem and until date the celebration reminds us that Jesus still wants to be born in our lives.

“Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” This statement finds fulfilment in the birth of Jesus whose birth we await this season. One important fact to keep in mind is that this prophecy was made in a period of crisis in the Davidic kingdom, as enemy armies threatened to invade Jerusalem and remove King Ahaz from the throne. Ahaz out of fear of the invading Syrian army wanted to seek help from the Assyrians but the Prophet Isaiah dissuades him from doing so, encouraging him rather to seek divine help and assistance.

Today is the third Sunday of Advent traditionally called Gaudete Sunday, which means Rejoice because the coming of the Lord is very close at hand. That is why the color of the vestment is Rose instead of purple. This theme of rejoice comes out clearly in the first reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah where he says, “the desert and the parched land will exult, the steppe will rejoice and bloom, they will bloom with abundant flowers and rejoice with joyful song”. He goes further to prophecy, “say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not, here is your God, He comes with vindication, with divine recompense He comes to save you”.

Isaiah in the first read speaks of a shoot that shall sprout from the stock of Jesse and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him. He goes on to enunciate the various kinds of Spirit that would be bestowed upon this stock of Jesse like, the spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel strength, knowledge, and fear of the Lord.