Third Sunday of Advent, Sunday December 14, 2025
Luke 3:10-18 What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” 15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with[a] water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with[b] the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.
Luke 3:10-18 focuses on John the Baptist’s call to repentance and ethical living as preparation for the coming of the Messiah. People ask him, “What then should we do?” and John gives practical advice: share with those in need, be honest in business, and be fair and content. This passage highlights the theme of conversion and readiness, central to the Advent season.
The Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, is a time of joy and anticipation as we draw closer to Christmas. It encourages us to reflect on our spiritual preparation, echoing John’s message to examine our lives and make concrete changes. The joy of Advent is not just about awaiting Christ’s birth but also about the transformation that this expectation inspires within us.
Thus, Luke 3:10-18 on Gaudete Sunday calls us to joyful conversion, reminding us that true preparation for Christmas involves both celebration and a sincere commitment to live according to God’s justice and mercy. Through prayer, we deepen this commitment and welcome the coming of Christ into our lives.
Prayer: Loving God,
as we light the third candle of Advent, the candle of joy,
fill our hearts with hope and gladness.
Help us to prepare the way for your Son, Jesus Christ,
who brings peace and salvation to all.
May we share his light and love with those around us,
and rejoice in the gift of your presence.
Amen.