Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” The Gospel of the Lord.
John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
But it wasn’t the Christmas season, I reminded my children. It was Advent. And for children – indeed for all of us – it is hard to remain in Advent while most of the rest of the world has been celebrating Christmas since Halloween decorations came down.
It helps during this time to reflect on the austere figure of John the Baptist. Scripture tells us that John was “clothed in camel’s har, with a leather belt around his waist.” He ate locusts and he avoided strong drink. John lived in anticipation of the coming of one greater than he. His life shows us that it is worth it to wait for something. He points to Someone worth waiting for.
Lisa Lickona