the second sunday of advent
the PRAYER. . .
Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming nurture our growth as people of repentance and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
the READING. . .
This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'”
the DEVOTION. . .
Well, it’s that time, again. Time for the fire and brimstone. Time for the hell and damnation. Ax at the root. Winnowing fork in hand. And of course, fire. Always the fire. Not the plain, ordinary, everyday fire; but the unquenchable kind. Fire that can’t get enough. Fire that never goes out. Every Advent, we read the words and we sing the songs and we listen to the sermons …
The prophet! That’s what John’s called! The voice crying out! Preparing the way! Unfortunately, the person for whom he was getting ready never came. At least, not like he’d imagined. Instead of coming as judge, jury, and executioner, Jesus came as savior! Came carrying not winnowing fork or ax, but cross! And the crowds followed after! Not because they HAD to, but because they WANTED to! Not out of fear, but out of faith! And hope! And love!
That much, the Baptizer got right! Jesus was coming! The kingdom, really, was near! But truth is, Jesus prepared his own way! As Jesus always has! As Jesus always will!
Bob Barndt, pastor