Third Sunday of Advent 2025 скачать в хорошем качестве

Third Sunday of Advent 2025

Matthew 11:2–11 – “Are You the One Who Is to Come?” Greetings, siblings, in the name of Jesus the One who was, the One who Is and the One who is to come. I bring you warm greetings from the Council of Elders, My name is Rev. Elder Nokuthula Dhladhla, and it is such a great joy to share this sacred Advent moment with you. Our scripture reading today comes from Matthew 11:2–11. Let’s imagine John the Baptist. The fearless prophet who baptized Jesus in Jordan. He had proclaimed boldly: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord!’ But now, behind bars, lonely and uncertain, he asks: ‘Are you the one, or should we expect someone else? This was not a simple question. It was a cry of a weary heart. John was wondering in a prison cell. Even John, who had seen Jesus up close, experienced doubt. And friends, this is something we all relate to, especially when life doesn’t match our expectations. For queer people, this question can feel deeply personal. Society often tells us who we should be, how we should love, or what our path should look like. And yet, our lived reality may feel different. Like John, we might wonder: Am I really seen? Am I enough? Is this truly valid? Jesus’ response is beautiful. He doesn’t scold John. Instead, He points to what is: The blind receive sight The lame walk The outcasts are restored The deaf hear The dead are raised The poor receive good news Jesus was saying, He points to Life transformation and Love in Action “Hope is happening. I am the One And today on this Advent, this is Good News for us also in MCC, For queer communities, this is a reminder: God sees you, affirms you, and works in ways beyond what the world expects. Doubt, questioning, even fear, these don’t disqualify you. They are part of the journey toward understanding God’s love and your truth. especially for us as queer community at this present moment when the world wants to erase us. We also find a special and a tender moment when Jesus says after John expresses his doubt. Jesus told the crowd and said: “Among those born of women, there is none greater than John.” So Beloved, hear this clearly: John doubted and Jesus still honored him. John questioned Jesus and Jesus still lifted him up. John struggled and Jesus still affirmed his place in God’s story. know also today that, Your doubts do not remove your dignity. Your questions do not cancel your call. Your struggles do not make you less beloved. And your full queer, beautiful identity is part of God’s good creation. This is our Advent hope. Even though our faith might not be perfect right now Not seeing everything clearly but knowing the Light is on its way. Jesus will answer us “Yes. I am the One. And I am here for you I am bringing healing, I am bringing justice, I am bringing liberation, I am bringing hope for ALL my people.” Including you So Beloved siblings, we must hold onto this Advent promise: Christ is here. And Christ comes for you, with you, and in you. Amen. --- #Lesbian #Gay #Bisexual #Bi #Transgender #Trans #Queer #LGBT #LGBTQ #LGBTQIA For more information, follow us on different platforms: Website: https://mccchurch.org/ Facebook:   / mccchurch   Instagram:   / mcc_church   Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mcc_church Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mccdenominat... LinkedIn:   / universal-fellowship-of-metropolitan-commu...   YouTube:    / metropolitancommunitychurches   Tiktok:   / mcc.denomination   Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/mccchurch