I was struck by the words in the First Reading last Sunday, the Second Sunday of Advent, wherein it is stated, “...for God is leading in joy...” (Baruch 5: 1-9). Even more uplifting are the words in the First Reading this coming Sunday, which will be the Third Sunday of Advent, wherein it is stated, “Shout for joy...be glad and exult with all your heart...the Lord your God is in your midst” (Zephaniah 3:14-18a).

I do not believe we show unbridled joy very often. I believe that the fears and the anxieties of the world tend to make us overly cautious, forgetting the fact that God is still in our midst, despite what is going on in the world.

Last Friday, as I was saying my morning prayers at Holy Martyrs Church, I saw seven deer through the west windows, and they were eating in the field just south of the Church.

Two baby fawns were playing while others were feeding on the remnants of the harvest taken from the field.

The fawns were leaping in joy and kicking out their legs, running in circles. I imagine they were so happy to appreciate the good weather, the food at their disposal, and the lives that they are living.

We need to be more like those fawns, leaping for joy that God so loves us that He sent His only begotten Son to be born in Bethlehem to save us.

What joy we should have in knowing how wonderfully we are loved.

Reflecting on this reality should move one to leap for joy! 

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek