Advent 3 — Singing and Seeking the Kingdom

Singing and Seeking the Kingdom

A Short Reflection based on Luke 1:46-55 and Matthew 11:2-11

Mary’s song, the Magnificat, is more than a beautiful hymn – it’s a bold proclamation.

Spoken by a young, pregnant woman in a time of oppression, it declares that God lifts the lowly, feeds the hungry, and brings down the mighty. It is deeply joyful, but also deeply political – a vision of a world turned right-side-up. Mary shows us what it means to trust God’s promises and be part of God’s mission. Her song reminds us that Advent hope is active – it protests injustice and dares to believe in God’s transforming love.

In contrast, John the Baptist is in a dark place. Imprisoned, questioning, he sends a message: “Are you the one?” It’s a question we all ask at times. Jesus responds not with blame but with signs – healing, restoration, good news for the poor. It’s a quiet revolution, not a thunderous one. And that’s the invitation to us today: not to wait for miracles, but to look for signs of the kingdom in everyday acts of justice, kindness, and love.

Mary and John – one singing in faith, one struggling with doubt – both help us see the way to Christ. And both show that faith isn’t about certainty, but about responding: with praise, with questions, with action.

Sing boldly for justice – even when the world resists.

Look for God’s kingdom in small, healing signs of hope.

Ngā mihi
Philip

p.s. Worship leaders: You can buy a complete Order of Service and Sermon based on these readings here: https://philipgarsidebooks.com/products/worship-at-hand-advent-3-14-december-2025