The Ninth Day of Advent, 2016

Monday, December 5, 2016

A voice is calling in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.  Isaiah 40:3  

Matthew 3:3 says this Scripture refers to John the Baptist, an unorthodox man, living in the desert, clothed in skins, eating a strange diet of locusts and honey. His lifestyle was unusual, but his message moved people to action: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:2).

John was a young man – only about 30 – but absolutely sure of his mission in life. God was getting ready to do something spectacular, and he was the herald chosen to proclaim that “something!” Some heard and responded quickly and emphatically, going to the River Jordan to be immersed as they confessed their sins. Others mocked him, thought him crazy, and went away quickly from this mad man.

As I look today at the spiritual desert of the current world, I wonder if I hear that the kingdom of God is really at hand – hear in such a way that it moves me to action. I am not going to put on animals skins, and though I have eaten some strange things in my life, locusts I hope will never be part of my regular diet! I do, however, want to be obedient to God as He allows me to make a straight pathway to him for others. After all, isn’t that what Jesus meant when He said you shall be my witnesses . . . to the utmost part of the earth (Acts 1:8)?

Father, help me to not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ, but to boldly proclaim it and lead others on a smooth highway to Christ, not just at Christmas but all year long! Amen   

   

And Then It Was Christmas: A Journey Toward Christmas
prepared for Homosassa United Methodist Church, 2006,
by Patience Nave, Christian Education Coordinator.