Second Sunday of Advent
John must have had something of a celebrity status to draw so large an audience. Why else would “Jerusalem, all of Judea and the region around the Jordan” come out to see the Baptizer? The crowds were certainly eager to listen to him, but would they be encouraged – or disappointed by his message? And how do we react?
We celebrate Advent each year at this time. We often keep this holy season wrapped in a package of twinkling lights and adoring angels, of serene images of virgin and babe. But the more gentle and joyous aspects of the season must wait for the weeks nearer to Christmas. First we must deal with today's message.
Advent belongs to the ones who can hear and accept a brazen message cried out in the stark desert: Repent!
Advent is a bittersweet season.This December, as we open cards and gaze upon the face of innocence in Mother and Child, may we must never lose sight of the face of the Suffering Servant of God.
As we joyously sing, “Let every heart prepare him room,” will we ask ourselves: What sacrifice did Christ make when he came to pitch his tent with us? And what sacrifices are we willing to make for the sake of Christ's message and the love of our neighbor?
Of what must we repent this Advent, if Christ is to dwell more fully in our hearts on Christmas Day?
The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, The Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.
