The Patron Saint of Advent: John the Baptist
Matthew 3: 1-12
We started this week by considering the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth and their long struggle with infertility. Before Luke even gives us an account of the annunciation (Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she would bear the Son of God), Luke tells us about the promised birth of John the Baptist. Given that this account comes first, it is safe for us to assume that John may be a fairly important part of this salvation story. But, like Joseph, do we give John and his role enough consideration?
When John the Baptist is mentioned, what comes to your mind? I confess that I picture his eccentricities (uncut hair, rough camel’s hair clothing, eating locusts and honey in the wilderness, never touching drink) and his way with words (“You brood of vipers!”) It would be easy to dismiss his actions, his words, and his significance and reduce him to a caricature. That would be a mistake because there is so much to learn from John. In Gabriel’s announcement to Zechariah before Elizabeth become pregnant, he told Zechariah exactly who and what John would be. Remember from Monday’s scripture, Gabriel says,
“…he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1: 15a – 17, NRSVUE)
There isn’t a patron saint of Advent, but if there was, John the Baptist would have to be it. After all, we observe Advent by preparing for the arrival of Christ, whether it’s remembering his birth over 2000 years ago or looking forward to his return. John clearly tells us to prepare the way of the Lord. Part of the preparation is repentance or turning back to God. It means making the rough ways smooth so that we can receive Jesus when he shows up. John spent his entire ministry and life preparing people to recognize Jesus as savior and to receive Jesus as savior. In this work, he was humble and focused. He knew his role was important, but only insomuch as it helped others find The Way of Jesus.
This advent we examine our lives and places where we need to return to God. We attempt to clear out all the barriers that prevent Jesus from entering in. However, that isn’t our only call as followers of Christ. When we prepare the way of the Lord, we can not only prepare our lives to receive Christ, we can also prepare the way for others to receive him as well.
The ministry and life of John reminds us that God often uses people in our lives to prepare us for deeper encounters with Christ. Sometimes they challenge us; sometimes they encourage us; sometimes they invite us to return. And like John, we too are invited to prepare the way for Jesus in the lives of others through our own witness in word and deed. May this advent see us not only preparing our hearts for Jesus to enter in, but also helping others to receive this miraculous gift of God with us.
Rec. Dana Ezell
