Luke 3:2b-6“[T]he word of God came to John … in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’”
John was out in the wilderness – he was not playing around. He was aware that time was running out and he was on a mission to warn people. People just like you and me, distracted by many superficial things, came out to see this strange wild man preaching repentance. They were intrigued by surface level things, just like us, by his camel hair suit, his crazy hair, his homemade leather belt, and his passionate and challenging message of repentance. I can imagine that people wanted to talk to him and then would go gossip, telling all of their friends about their remarkable experience of talking to the wild man, much like we might do today. Do you recognize this self-absorbed journey? I certainly do.
John’s message was clear: REPENT. Repent? Why are we reading about repenting at Christmas time? Christmas is supposed to be all about the cute baby Jesus, and carols, and presents, and food, and family get-togethers, and shopping! Yet, John calls us to REPENT as we approach Christmas. He calls us to REPENT our way to a Merry Christmas.
Advent means “coming” and it requires a thoughtful and reflective approach to the coming of God into human form. Consider preparing for Christmas this year by repenting. It’s more than just having a change of heart or a feeling of regret. Repentance is a turning away from ourselves, and in simple trust and faith in God’s grace, turning back to Him. John calls us away from our worries and puts our lives into perspective … actually, God’s perspective. John says prepare for the Advent – the coming of Jesus. God knew the world of John and Jesus and He knows our world. He is calling us to turn to Him this Advent season so that we may have joy this Christmas. Oh, how we long for joy! Let us turn away from our self-absorbed worries of this world and simply trust in God as we journey through this Advent season together.
Prayer: Spirit of God, make the way straight for us to hear and believe your word, for your word is truth and life and the path to joy. Amen.
Theresa Sandifer
Lighting of the Advent Wreath for the Home – Week 2
PREPARATION
The first week of Advent has passed. We are caught up in a season of hectic activity. There is so much to do, so many preparations to make. It was no different in the days before the first Christmas. In their home in Nazareth, Joseph and Mary too were caught up in preparations. Joseph had to get ready for the long trip south to register for a census. Mary was preparing for the birth of her child. Together they faced the challenge of a long walk to Bethlehem.
Last week, we lighted the first candle in our Advent Wreath. Today we light the candle of HOPE again and also light the second candle, the candle of PREPARATION.
We continue our preparation for the coming of Christ, our spiritual walk to Bethlehem in the footsteps of Mary and Joseph.