In traditional Advent lectionaries the themes are directed to Jesus’ arrival or advent. This includes the beginning of his earthly ministry, his second coming and his birth. As such, John the Baptizer is often included in Advent. I am titling this sermon “Things Are Going to Change”. John is so different from Jesus, from the Pharisees, from his parents, from just about everybody. Change is difficult. In light of Jesus’ advent (past, present and future) what changes do we need to make. John’s call is to do so in preparation for Jesus.
Scripture Reference: The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way— a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” ~Mark 1: 1-8