The Second Sunday of Advent --- 8 December 2013

Isaiah 11:1-10

Romans 15:4-13

Matthew 3:1-12

Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.' "

• With these words, Matthew the Evangelist sums up the preaching and ministry of John the Baptizer. These words from Isaiah tells us what John was all about. John's words are sharp and often prickly, but that might be just the thing to pierce the hide of some of the people of his day, especially the ones who were quite self-satisfied or felt that the Kingdom of God was their private preserve.
• John stood in the long tradition of prophecy among the people of God. Prophets say more about the present than the future since their mission is to tell God's people about God's action in the present whether that action is judgement or consolation. John's call to repentance actually is one of hope. The admonition to repent means that redemption is possible and John makes it clear that redemption is coming and is not to be taken lightly. Preparation is required, and he tells his listeners “Bear fruit worthy of repentance.”

• There are prophets in our own day and time. At times, they're pretty hard to bear even if they don't wear camel's hair tunics and survive on grasshoppers and honey. Some have spent time in prison because their message is unacceptable to those in power. The world has lost one such person this week with the death of Nelson Mandela in South Africa. In the midst of a horrifying situation, he remained a voice for change, for sanity, and ultimately for forgiveness. About himself, he said this: “I am not a saint unless you think a saint is a sinner who keeps on trying.”
• Let's look at things closer to home, leaving aside prophets on the world stage for a bit. Here we are in Advent, a season of preparation on many levels. We are faced with advertising and a lot of outside influence regarding the celebration of Christmas. Stores have had Christmas decorations up since Hallowe'en. Radio stations are playing Christmas music, some of which isn't worth listening to. (What else is new?) This goes against our understanding of Advent, leaving no time for preparation. These influences demand we celebrate Christmas and celebrate it RIGHT NOW!
• I admit we are legitimately torn. We know it's here and not yet. Yet, isn't the preparation important as well? And fun?
• Tell me - how do you prepare? Decorate the house and hang stockings or put out your shoes? Address Christmas cards? Bake and cook and plan menus for the festival day? Put up the traditional tree?
• I'm not here to get after anyone for how they celebrate the season. I think all these things are true preparations for Christmas and the Christmas season. And Advent is about preparation. "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.' "
• "Advent is a winter training camp for those who desire peace . . . Is there a lingering resentment, an unforgiven injury living in our hearts? Do we look down upon others of lesser social standing or educational achievement? Are we generous with the gifts that have been given to us, seeing ourselves as their stewards and not their owners? Are we reverent of others, their ideas and needs, and of creation? These and other questions become Advent lights by which we may search the deep, dark corners of our hearts."
  
  [Edward Hays (from his book "A Pilgrim's Almanac") ]
  
  
• This is preparation and a way to “Bear fruit worthy of repentance.” Our preparation will not make it happen. Like the season of Christmas, our preparation will not bring on the season; it will happen whether we are prepared or not! In a like manner, the Kingdom of God has come near, whether we know it or not, whether we are prepared or not. John was calling for preparation and letting the people know the Kingdom of God was upon them. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; ...I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me;
• We hear these words in a different way than those who heard them from John in the wilderness, but the words are addressed to us as well. The Kingdom of God is with us now, and we still need to prepare.
• This is worth remembering through our decorating, our wrapping, our baking, our singing, and our praying. We can make our entire lives preparation for the entrance of our God into our lives in a new way.
• We can prepare by remembering that our God is always ready and willing to be with us. Advent reminds us of this fact and allows us once again to recognize the grace of God present all around us. So as we do all our activities to prepare for the holiday and we pray and watch in the spirit of the coming of Christ, one last thing: Prepare to be surprised.