Second Sunday of AdventJohn the Baptist 's information was anything but shtick. In the desert, far from the spotlight, John was bringing the Good News that was immediately applicable to and actionable by the people: a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins' in preparation for the real Newsmaker who would be coming up next, the one who John said was more powerful than I ... I am not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals.
Real news.
John the Baptist was calling for nothing less than a complete change of heart for the whole community. Massive cultural and spiritual change was on the horizon the rough terrain of sin and disobedience was about to be leveled in anticipation of the coming Messiah. This was breaking news of the highest priority not a source of jocularity, but of real and lasting joy.
Advent is a time when we once again share the Good News of the Messiah's coming news that's often buried in the massive crush of holiday hullabaloo. The real focus for us needs to be on the action items of the kingdom, calling people once again to respond to the good news of Jesus Christ instead of just chuckling at another round of Santa jokes.
Advent is a chance to smile at some good news for a change.
