December 3rd
David’s school is dominated by an older generation of teachers, who seem to have a different way of saying things – compared to the rest of David’s world. Not so much in the words they use, but the order in which they place them. David came home from school and told his Dad…
“The teacher said, if it rains anymore, we will be using canoes in the playground.”
“I think the teacher’s prediction of the future is a little exaggerated son.”
“Prophets warn us about the future, are prophets always old men?”
“Not necessarily, anyone can be a prophet when needed. It’s when someone speaks what they feel God is saying about a situation.”
John the Baptist was six months older than Christ Jesus, and he was related to him through their mothers. John was born of Elizabeth, cousin to Mary who was with child when she went to support Elizabeth during her pregnancy. John’s purpose was to be the fore runner of Jesus, one who would prepare the way, level the playing field and stir people to turn around from the way they were living.
People could be forgiven for thinking John was crazy, for his appearance and his words were very different. Yet people went out into the desert and had a real experience of God’s forgiveness. Lowering mountains, filling in valleys and straightening crooked roads – simply means, enabling easy access. Coming to God is a simple process, Say “Yes” and in doing so, we turn away from our old ways.
Matthew 3: 3-6
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”
John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
Prayer
Father God, the way to you is already prepared. Help me each day to take that step closer to you. The birth, death and resurrection of your Son Jesus the Christ is the living proof of your immense love for us. Grant us Lord your forgiveness and restore us to new life in Christ. Amen.
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Tomorrow – Paths to follow