The readings for the third Sunday in Advent are taken from Isaiah 35:1-10; James 5:7-11; and Matthew 11:2-15.
Isaiah inspires hope for the desert places, where John the Baptizer would let people know that the Savior of the world was near. This Savior would bring healing. He would make a highway to bring us to Himself. He would bring peace for those He came to ransom.
James urges us to be patient for the coming of the Lord—patient without grumbling (grumbling was a constant witness to Israel’s rebellious nature). The patience of the prophets and of Job are a witness to the Lord’s faithfulness, compassion, and mercy.
Matthew records John being in a very desert place, imprisoned by Herod. Yet Jesus responds with all of His healing work, which fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah. What did the crowds go out to John to see? They saw the promised prophet who would come in the spirit and power of Elijah, to herald the coming of the Savior.