Reflection for the Week

Reflection for Sunday 14th December 2025

The Third Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 35.1–10, James 5.7–10, Matthew 11.2–11

Advent 3 bursts with joy. Isaiah imagines deserts bursting into bloom, weak hands strengthened, fearful hearts calmed. God restores what is broken.

James calls us to patient endurance. God’s timing can feel slow, yet it always tends toward mercy.

John the Baptist, imprisoned and discouraged, sends messengers to ask Jesus if he is truly the one. Jesus responds with actions: the blind see, the lame walk, the poor receive good news. The kingdom is already breaking in.

Advent joy is not naïve happiness but hope in weariness, trust in uncertainty, and courage in heavy days.

Blessings and prayers,

Emma