To see the explanation for this Advent series, please click here.
Opening Verse
If in your heart you make a manger for his birth
Then God will once again become a child on earth.
Opening Prayer
O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Something to Ponder (continued)
Today we look at the mission of the Second Elijah as John himself understood it.
Matthew 3:11 is quick and to the point:
"I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."
Luke 3:7-14 expands and reinforces Matthew's succinct version:
"John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him,
"'You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
"'Bear fruits worthy of repentance.
"'Do not begin to say to yourselves, "We have Abraham as our ancestor"; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.
"'Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."
"And the crowds asked him,
"'What then should we do?'
"In reply John said to them,
"'Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.'
"Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, 'Teacher, what should we do?'
"He said to them, 'Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.'
"Soldiers also asked him, 'And we, what should we do?'
"He said to them, 'Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.'"
The crowds asked John the Baptist, "What should we do?"
John had an answer for them, and for the tax collectors, and for the soldiers.
If you were to ask the Second Elijah, "What should I do?" what do you think John the Baptist might tell you?
Closing Prayer
O God, make the door of my heart wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship, and a heavenly Father's care; and narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride, and hate. Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling block to children, nor to straying feet, but rugged enough to turn back the tempter's power. Make it a gateway to your eternal kingdom. Amen.
Thomas Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells, 1637-1711
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