Jesus is Lord, praise him now and forever. To draw us back on the first Sunday of Advent we were called upon to be watchful and on the second Sunday to prepare the way of the Lord which is our own way of life.
Today I want us to look at the readings in a different direction as compared to last four years. On that year we were called upon to rejoice and have faith in the words of the Lord: for whatever he has said, he will do. Today I want us to look at the gospel of the day with the other readings.
In the gospel John the Baptist is asked who he is. In actual sense his purpose in the world. His simple answer is "I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, `Make straight the way of the Lord'" (John 1:23)
He has come to testify, not to himself, but to the Messiah who is coming into the world. John declares that he is not worthy to untie the straps of the Messiah’s shoes. But this is the menial work of a slave.
John declares that he is not the Messiah, but one who bore witness on his behalf. Neither is he the prophet Elijah, who is expected to precede the coming of the Lord (Malachi 3:23). Nor a prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15).
Rather John explained who he is by saying that he is simply a voice crying out: "Make ready the way of the Lord" (Is 40:3). The religious leaders then asked John what gave him the right to baptized.
John also answered that he is only baptizing with water; however there is one among them who they have not recognize. His function or purpose on this world is to prepare the way for the one who will baptize with the fire of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11).
Beloved in Christ, do my words and actions give testimony to Jesus' coming? If you are, you know, and if you are not, you know. Let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ so that he may help us bear witness to Him in our words and deeds that we may be bless at Christmas. God bless you. Peace and joy, Amen.