ADVENTure: The Loud, Noisy, Roaring, Life Changing, Not So Silent NightSample

Growing up I had chores like I’m sure a lot of you do. Taking out the trash, walking the dog, making sure my room was clean, you get the idea. Never though did chores become so intense and so important than before a guest came over. Have you ever experienced this? Your parents want to make it look like no one lives in your house so guests feel welcome. Chores and cleaning become so intense in the small, small chance your guests going through your room’s closet to see if it’s spotless. This may seem like a lot but it is a great way for guests to feel welcome. It shows you have prepared for them.

The job of John the Baptist was to prepare for Jesus. His job was to tell as many people as he could that the king was about to come on the scene. He told people now was the time to turn from their sins. To get rid of whatever they were following because the only one worthy of following was about to be on Earth. John the Baptist also had a job he was really famous for. No, it wasn’t famous brownies it was baptizing people. John’s baptism is a little different from what ours is now. John’s baptism was one of turning from sin so they could be ready for Jesus. Now baptism is turning from sin but also turning to Jesus.

John prepares the way to make sure there are no other rulers in our lives and no other things we’ve put before God. They don’t even have to be bad things but anything that we put above God is a bad thing. It becomes what’s called an idol. An idol does not bring life only Jesus does. Maybe this Christmas season you realize you have put things above Jesus. Maybe you have even realized you need to be baptized to show that you are turning from sins and your old life to your new life following Jesus. Look to the example of John the Baptist who is calling us to be baptized and turn from our sins.

The Destination:

Jesus had someone prepare the way, John the Baptist. Now that job comes to us. We can prepare the way for Christmas by telling others what Christmas is actually about. It’s not about gifts or traditions it’s about Jesus being born. We now prepare the way for Jesus to return one day by calling people to leave what leads to destruction and choosing Jesus who leads to life.

Songs For The Journey:

O Come All Ye Faithful by Planetshakers