December 6, 2015: Second Sunday of Advent

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert.
John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:
A voice of one crying out in the desert:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.
Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be made low.
The winding roads shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” (Luke 3:1-6)

Reflection:

John the Baptist had a big responsibility. He was called by God in the desert to announce the coming birth of the Christ child. He heard this message and right away started to get the word out. I wonder sometimes what I would have done if I heard John the Baptist talk about the message of Christ’s coming. Would I have understood? Would I have agreed to be baptized? Would I have ignored the message – or laughed about it? Was I ready for the infant Jesus to enter my heart? Would I be afraid? Was I a person who would prepare the way of the Lord with my daily life?

Action:

Preparation is pretty important. We prepare for a test by studying. We prepare for piano lessons by practicing. We prepare to cook a meal by shopping for ingredients. Begin to prepare for Jesus in your home this week. How will you let others know that you are welcoming the Christ child?