Christ will come again: We watch, we prepare, we get ready.

Luke 3:1-6: The people who came out to hear John the Baptist would have recognized the Isaiah passage he was proclaiming. Did these people notice that something was not quite right in their lives? Apparently so, why else would they have come out to hear this bizarre-looking preacher? And so we, in the 21st Century, look for what we need to do to “prepare the way of the Lord.” What is cluttering up the path? Will there be room in our inn for the Christ child to come and be born in us?

The baptism that John proclaims is not to be confused with the baptism, the one baptism, which Jesus brings. Rather, this might best be understood as the daily efforts to live into the grace, which is out in Christ Jesus.

Luke’s Gospel proclaims: God does not remain distant from the world. God’s reign enters time and space on the stage of world history, where life is too often constrained by people and events beyond one’s control.

John is the one who is out in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord. The path is by the people, who are called to repentance, to return themselves to their Lord; God-focused, human-centered action.

Faith Step: Is there a faith area that you feel inspired to focus on? (e.g. spirituality, relationships, emotions, resilience, vocation/ministry etc.) List one Faith step you are ready and willing to take this season of advent/Christmas. Is there someone with whom you would like to share this faith Step? Why?

Prayer: God of timeless grace, you fill us with joyful expectation: make us ready for the message that prepares the way, so that with uprightness of heart and holy joy we may eagerly await the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002) alt…