Tuesday, December 17, 2024  

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Today's Scripture
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)

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Reflection

I have been contemplating this passage for a while now. There is something I like about Mark’s approach to the story of Jesus. There seems to be little time for niceties. He wants to get right to the business. I respect that. I suspect that many who know me professionally would say the same about me. If there’s business to do, I want to get there quickly. Sometimes without the requisite “How’s the family?” or “How are you doing?” etc.

So, what is the business here? The story of the good news begins with someone other than the Christ. Isaiah foretold it, and the people had been waiting for quite some time. Then along came the voice in the wilderness crying, “Prepare the way!” Calls to prepare ourselves and make the pathways straight.

John the Baptist was convincing. Throngs of people from the whole country came out to hear him. They were convicted by his message of repentance and forgiveness. I would like to think that we are not talking about the path to Jerusalem but the path to our hearts that we need to prepare and straighten.

There is more to John’s proclamation, however. John says that his baptism was with water. John helps us wash ourselves so that we can see ourselves; bumps, bruises, wounds, and all. Where John washes us, Christ cleanses us and makes us whole again, if we are willing. If we have prepared ourselves for this change.

What voice is crying out to you in this season of preparation? How do you need to wash yourself to prepare for Christ’s arrival in your life? For Mark, it wasn’t about where the Christ came from. It was about where Christ was going. Christ was arriving and there was work to do.

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Prayer
Lord of Advent, help me to look deeply at myself this season as I bathe in the story of Christ. Help me remain open to the changes that are required in my life as they are revealed to me. In the name of the long-expected Savior. Amen.

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Written by Robert Sinclair, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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