Reflections from the December 13 Gospel
Luke 3:10-18
Tax collectors, soldiers, and countless other people gathered to hear John the Baptist preach. For generations upon generations they had been waiting for the coming of the promised Messiah. And now, John the Baptist had appeared with such a striking message and such a powerful presence that “all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ.”
But he wasn’t. John’s mission was to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. In the process, however, people began to think that John was the main attraction. He set the record straight though, when he emphasized that “one mightier than I is coming.” If this great prophet was so humble, how much more should we humble ourselves in preparation for the coming of the Messiah?
As we mediate upon the coming of Christ this Advent season, we would do well to make our approach towards Christmas with humble hearts. What have we done to deserve this incredible gift of a Savior? The fact is that nothing we could ever do would possibly earn our redemption. May we be humble enough to acknowledge that our salvation is the greatest gift we could ever receive.
Questions of the Week
Luke 3:10-18:
If John were alive today, what advice
do you think he would offer contemporary Christians?
Zephaniah 3:14-18a:
What do you think Zephaniah’s seven-hundred-year-old prophecy reveals about God?
Philippians 4:4-7:
Both Paul and Zephaniah emphasize the importance of joy as people of faith. How does the season of Advent help you find joy?