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December 9: Luke 1:68-79, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 3:1-6 Text Message
Background: John the Baptizer always makes an appearance in our Advent readings because his message is one of preparation. Only in the Gospel of Luke do we read about John’s birth and relationship to Jesus (check out Luke 1). This background story makes John the perfect bridge between the events of the Old and New Testaments. Think and talk: John’s message is all about preparing to meet God’s messenger, which he claims is done best by repentance. To repent is to turn around, and it seems that repentance is constantly in order for God’s people. Why do you think it is so easy to get off track? How do you know when you need to change course? Looking around: Luke puts a lot of effort into putting Jesus’ birth and ministry into historical context in order to emphasize God’s timing. We might think about what this particular time in history offered for the fulfillment of God’s plan. But to make it personal, as you look back on your spiritual journey, can you see examples of God’s timing at work, answering prayer at the right time, not your time? If you are waiting now for a prayer to be answered, are there blessings to be found in this waiting time? |