Monday, December 19, 2022  

Today’s Scripture Reading
Mark 1:1–8

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 

As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, 

“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, 
who will prepare your way; 
the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 
‘Prepare the way of the Lord, 
make his paths straight.’” 

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (NRSV) 

Reflection

John the Baptist, perhaps more than any other biblical figure, embodies this season of Advent perfectly—not merely for the urgent (and sometimes even downright frenzied) preparations that can often go along with this time of year, but also for holding fast to the true spirit of this time before Christmas. John’s call to confess and repent can certainly sound apocalyptic or abrasive to our ears, but there is a better way to understand and interpret his proclamations of baptism. This voice crying in the wilderness is an invitation to turn our hearts once more to following “the way of the Lord” (Mark 1:3), trusting in the love, grace, and forgiveness shown to us in Jesus Christ and committing to live our lives in a way that proclaims that love and grace.

It is far too easy to lose sight of that invitation with all the checklist items Advent seems to bring with it: there are decorations to hang, gifts to wrap, cookies to be baked, parties to attend, family schedules to be coordinated—on and on the list goes. Yet deep down we know there is nothing more important than to be reminded of what lies at the end of this time of preparation: God’s love made manifest in the child lying in the manager—a love we are called to share not only with our family and friends, but all those God has put in our lives. May all of us use this season of Advent as an opportunity to once again center our lives more fully around that love, trusting in its power to remake our world.  

Prayer

Holy God, open my heart and guide me in this Advent time of preparation so that I might better reflect your love and grace in all that I say and do. Amen. 

Written by Matt Helms, Associate Pastor for Children and Family Ministry  

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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