As we enter the third week of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday—a time to rejoice—we are reminded that the Lord is near and His promises are faithful. This week’s readings call us to patient waiting with purpose, to align our actions with our faith, and to witness God’s faithfulness across generations as He brings forth salvation through unexpected people and circumstances.
The Newman University community reflects on how God’s ancient promises find their fulfillment in Christ, inviting us to participate actively in His divine plan through obedience, trust, and joyful anticipation. For all of the 2025 Advent reflections visit https://newmanu.edu/advent.
Sunday, December 14 – Third Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 35:1-6, 10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11
Sister Betty Adams ASC ’61, 66 Board of Trustee Member
I recall my high school band days when I was one of eighty musicians producing sounds to delight the ear and move the soul. But often that entailed times of waiting, of silence, while another section played its role in creating the overall effect the composer had envisioned. My section of the band would patiently count out bars of rest, waiting to contribute our part to the whole. Paying attention to what was happening during our silent waiting helped me understand how my part fit into the whole.
Waiting patiently has immense value in all aspects of life as James reminds us in the second reading. If we pay attention to what is happening during our times of “forced waiting” in the checkout line or at the stoplight in our daily commute we may be blessed with glimpses of the kingdom described in the reading from Isaiah and confirmed in Matthew’s gospel: the blind see, the lame walk, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. We can become aware of how a smile to the harried mother in the checkout lane with her fussy child may be our way of giving her hope to “rejoice in the Lord always … the Lord is near,” as the entrance antiphon instructs us.
Monday, December 15
Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17; Matthew 21:23-27
Kyrstin Gable, Executive Assistant, Institutional Advancement
In Numbers, Balaam is speaking of how it pleases God for us to dwell with him and in him. Balaam also speaks of the coming of Jesus, a scepter out of Israel. In Matthew Jesus reminds the chief priests and elders that his authority is not subject to them; it comes from God. Together these verses tell of God’s great love and desire to be with us. Balaam prophetically declared the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, with all power and authority to save so that we could dwell with him forever. This is a time that we celebrate that gift in the form of a baby who brought hope to the world.
Tuesday, December 16
Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13; Matthew 21:28-32
Luis Piedra, Newman Student
Zephaniah warns the southern kingdom to return to God and follow the Law of Moses or face His judgment. His message reminds us to examine our hearts because when we believe, we are open to listen to the Holy Spirit. We often find that our actions don’t match our words or God’s plan for us. Matthew illustrates this through the parable of the two sons: one who initially refused but later obeyed, and another who agreed but did nothing. Jesus says that even when people witnessed righteousness, like in John’s ministry, they refused to change. True faith is shown not in speech, but in genuine repentance and obedience.
Wednesday, December 17
Genesis 49:2, 8-10; Matthew 1:1-17
Catherine Madison ‘24
The Genesis passage points to the coming Savior, foreshadowing Jesus as the One “whom all nations will honor.” The passage from Matthew serves as a reminder to remain prayerfully ready and willing to share the love of God with all whom we encounter. It also highlights the lineage of Jesus, illustrating how God worked through imperfect and flawed individuals to bring forth the Messiah. This truth demonstrates that God can use anyone to advance His kingdom and accomplish His purposes.
Thursday, December 18
Jeremiah 23:5-8; Matthew 1:18-25
Elias Belton, Seminarian Student
Through Jeremiah, God promises his people both redemption and a king, and through Joseph’s acceptance in Matthew, that promise is fulfilled in the coming of the Child Jesus at Christmas. God promises us all redemption through His reign, but just like Joseph, we must spend this Advent season in silence and obedience so that Christ might fulfil this promise and be born not only into the world, but into our hearts as well.
Friday, December 19
Judges 13:2-7, 24-25; Luke 1:5-25
Andrew Giorgetti, Instructional Designer
Today’s scriptures center birth announcements within Divine Providence. In Judges and Luke, angelic messages signal God is moving significantly—reversing barrenness and promising a “separated out” child. Reflecting on the passages, I couldn’t help but notice that, while these miracles are divinely instituted, the Holy Spirit moves through human participation. Both mothers demonstrate physical and spiritual devotion to divine instructions, playing a vital role in the future deliverance of their people. Additionally, we shouldn’t miss the distinction between these future “Wildmen” – while Samson delivers through physical strength – John calls hearts back to God, preparing the way for a different type of deliverer. Let us celebrate these announcements as we anticipate the next!
Saturday, December 20
Isaiah 7:10-14; Luke 1:26-38
Max Wheeler, IT Hardware and Software Specialist
In the passage from Isaiah, we have a wicked king, Ahaz, fearing Jerusalem’s destruction, and convinced that God will not intervene. Despite Ahaz’s failures, God sends Isaiah a hopeful message, for both the immediate situation and the future – the lineage of King David will survive to become the family of Immanuel – which means “God is with us.” 700-years later, in Luke, an unassuming teenager, Mary, is visited by the Angel Gabriel, and told she has God’s favor to be the mother of Jesus – meaning “God saves.” Further, the Davidic reign will be eternal, cementing Isaiah’s prophecy. Mary is confused, startled, but accepts. The significance of this is easily overlooked. 700-years have passed, yet God’s faithfulness is unbreaking. The salvation of the world, God-with-us, in Jesus – all predicted and its fulfillment is why we celebrate this season.
