1The beginning of the gospel abount Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2It is written in Isaiah the prophet: I will send my messenger ahead of you who will prepare your way. 3A voice of one calling in the desert, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” 4And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit”.
Advent is a time for reflection and preparation. As Christians, we are good at celebrating Christmas Day and Christ’s birth! However, how much effort do we expend in spiritual readiness? I suspect no more than the well meaning folks of Jerusalem. John understood this and so he tried to warn people that it was necessary to radically change not only their way of living but also their way of thinking! This is the true purpose of Advent! John is calling out today to the Tri-State region to not only confess our sins but change how we view this world. Being baptized with the spirtual waters through Jesus’ birth - we are a changed people. It is quite easy to love family and friends during this Holiday season, but Christ’s life example requires us to love those whom we dis-like, fear or find repulsive. This is not easy. That is why we NEED Advent! To get ourselves spiritually right so that we can live as God intended. That is what I hope we all celebrate on Christmas Day!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for every day! We confess that we have sinned yet know that you still Love us and forgive us. Help us to make a straight path and live a life filled with the Spirit so that we may reflect your way. Amen
Marv Jones
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