The Fourth Sunday in Advent

Dec 21, 2025  •  The Most Rev. Dr. Ray Sutton

This homily explores the true meaning of joy according to Scripture and CS Lewis. A third-century Christian observed that believers find joy far greater than the pleasures of the world because they have mastered their souls and overcome the world. St. Paul calls us to rejoice in the Lord always, even in difficult circumstances, because His presence satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart. CS Lewis describes three stages in the search for joy: seeking it in the wrong places, dismissing it as an illusion, and finally realizing that true joy comes only from God and the life to come. Christ offers this joy through His incarnation, death, and resurrection. Advent reminds us to rejoice because the Lord is at hand and to anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of our longing in heaven.

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