Week Three - Monday
1st Reading
Zephaniah 3:14-18
Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you
he has turned away your enemies;
the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
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.
Labora / Work
The third week of Advent is exciting because it moves from a penitential focus to a call to joy. “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, Oh Israel.” It’s time to begin getting excited about the birth of The Son of God and it’s time to get excited about your marriage. As you anticipate the coming of the Christ Child, anticipate a merrier marriage. “Fear not,... be not discouraged! The LORD, your God, is in your midst.” He comes to bring joy into your marriage and family. We just have to open our hearts to receive it. Today make a conscious effort to see the joy that the Lord is giving you. It may be in the adorable smile of your child or in the kind act of service of your spouse. Look for the gift of joy today and you will find that you will “Be glad and exult with all your heart," when you recognize it.
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