John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.   Luke 3 : 16

Readings this week Zephaniah 3 : 14 - end; Philippians 4 : 4 - 7; Luke 3 : 7 - 18

Thought for this week

In our Gospel reading this week John the Baptist issues a stark message to the crowds who have come to find him. He stops them in their tracks, (‘you brood of vipers’), and tells them they cannot rely on belonging to God’s people, but need to repent more than anyone.

This is hard to hear, just as the schools are holding their Carol services and nativity plays, wonderful festive cards are coming through our doors, and there is the anticipation of so much joy at Christmas.

Yet Luke the Gospel writer points to this seeming clash at the end of the passage. He writes : ‘John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people’.

John has come to point towards Jesus, and the Good News is that through Jesus our lives are transformed and we are re – made. This is the radical, life – changing gift of new life through Jesus’ own sacrifice on the Cross that gives meaning and purpose to all the tinsel, lights and stars of Christmas.

Can we use Advent to turn back to the Lord, put away any obstacles or hindrances, and truly turn to Jesus in humility and faith? The Lord forgives and heals. This is the Good News of Jesus. 

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you: grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you are alive and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

God for whom we watch and wait, you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of your Son: give us courage to speak the truth, to hunger for justice, and to suffer for the cause of right, with Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

People to pray for

For all evangelists and speakers at this time