On this second week of Advent, we meet again John the Baptizer who is out in the wilderness proclaiming messages to God’s people. And while he was definitely unique, the gift of proclaiming God’s hope is not just reserved for him – but is given to all who have received the promise of Christ. We, as God’s people, have each been given gifts and abilities which enable us to bring God’s good news into a hurting world.
Sometimes that may look like being out there ‘in the wilderness’ with a friend or loved one who is going through a difficult journey of illness or recovery, grief or depression, relationship or financial difficulties, or some other situation. By sharing an encouraging word, sending a text or email, making a phone call, or spending time in-person and simply being a loving presence alongside of someone sends a clear message, “You are not alone – God’s love is here with you in the wilderness.”
Sometimes proclaiming God’s good news may look like the way we share our resources to “fill the valleys” and “make smooth the pathway” after the destruction of natural disaster, or by providing food for those who need help filling in the gaps where limited incomes can’t stretch. In so doing, we not only provide hope, but we “prepare the way of the Lord” so that others might be open to see the grace of God working in their lives.
And sometimes proclaiming the word of the Lord looks like living in humility – including finding the courage to say “I’m sorry, I was wrong” and to ask for forgiveness; and to live with compassion as we say “I forgive you” to those who ask it from us.
None of these things is particularly easy – but proclaiming the truth of God never has been. But it is important work; and the point of all of this is so that – together – we all might have our eyes opened to see the Salvation of God, sent to us in Jesus Christ. For it is in Him that the presence of God came to be with us in the wilderness of life, to save us from the crooked path of sin and lift us out of the valley of death, and to prepare the way of life for us through his own death on the cross and resurrection from the grave. It is a promise we cling to, a promise we hope for, and a promise worth sharing. Along with John, and all those who have proclaimed this message throughout the generations, may we too live expectant hope and be bold to share the message of the one who was, who is, and who is to come: Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gracious Lord, you once called John the Baptizer to proclaim good news to your people: to bring hope to the lost, and point people again to your ways. Open our hearts to the ways you call us – both to receive your message, and to share your promise – that together we might faithfully prepare the way of the Lord. In Christ’s holy name, Amen.
The Rev. Elisa Osman
Chaplain, The Oaks at Pleasant Gap