Advent causes us to
1. step back and remember
a) the person of Jesus Christ;
b) the people who surrounded Jesus, the culture that all had a part in the story;
c) the place: the manger, the scene, the birth in complete humility;
(The Sunday School teacher asked why Jesus was born in a stable, such lowly circumstances. Little Girl replied, "God did not want his son to be spoiled.")
2, examine the present time in light of what we know about those times-- religious and political conflict, division, turmoil, traditions falling apart; hopelessness amid which John was born
John glared into the face of hopelessness, the culture, bringing a message of a New Day, (Chapter 3), a message of hope, a different message even than the religious of the day preached.
It is the same message we need today--
something that stands in major contrast
to what we are hearing.
3. calls us to look ahead; must not get hung up in tradition, losing sight of the message for now and the future.
We stand on the cusp of something great
that is about to happen.
Jesus is coming soon!
It is a different message. It actually brings hope. Our time needs Jesus Christ, but it needs the message of John. It is just as relevant today as it was in John's day.
John walked into the room and flipped on the light!
Hope!
"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." --Joel 2:32a Hallelujah!
The message of hope to all who are in Christ Jesus, the message of hope to the world. There is a great day coming!
Produce fruit in keeping with your repentance. (John 3)
"YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD." --Jesus Christ
1 comment:
Looking ahead can also include tradition! My candid opinion.
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