Blessings of Advent
“In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near” The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!” Matthew 3:1-3
The ministry of John the Baptist began with a proclamation that the Kingdom of heaven is near! It is the same proclamation that Jesus makes in Matthew 4:17 as he begins his preaching ministry. It is the announcement that something extraordinary is happening. But to experience this Kingdom, people needed to repent and prepare for the news that Jesus was bringing.
Every day we are called to examine our lives. We have to search our hearts and minds and empty ourselves of pride. We are required to confess our sins, humble ourselves before God, and remove anything that separates us from him, making our lives pleasing to Him.
God is offering us the possibility of entering into a new dimension. He wasn’t giving them a religion of rules and customs but a new Kingdom. This Kingdom is alive with the power of the Spirit and offers a new way to look at the world. We will forever see each person as beloved by God and work for the transformation of the world.
The Kingdom of heaven is near! Let us live into that knowledge as the birth of our Savior approaches.
John
0 Comments