Readings: Baruch 5:1-9; Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11; Luke 3:1-6
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It was another Advent, quite a few years ago now. But the words were the same: pulsing with joy, extravagant promises, and tender intimacy, yet all the while prodding the conscience. How is it possible to preach those words, to make them leap off the page into the heart? Hmmm? So it was that I “became” John the Baptist. Crying out, “Prepare the way of the Lord! Prepare the way of the Lord!” all the way down the center aisle, at reflection time. Complete with white beard, rough-hewn jacket and leather belt. It grabbed everyone’s attention!
But, then, of course, the words that follow must be equally alive. Prepare the way. Make ready. Clear the decks. Lay the foundation. Equip folks for action. As John robustly urges: “Repent! Turn and see in a whole new way what really matters!” Or, as Paul tenderly writes in gentler words to his beloved Philippians: I rejoice in your “partnership for the Gospel.”

Advent. Such a merciful time. And also, such a poking, pricking, challenging time....Read more here