Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson
You might hear it in a sales pitch for buying into solar panels. Or in a conversation about a new diet plan. Or an over- the-fence conversation about a new landscaper. It’s the question “What should you do now? Call an 800 number? Tap your text icon? Whatever you do, do it now before it’s too late!
The avid fans of the Baptist felt the pressure to act. John had preached so well and wisely. His topic was exhilarating and his enthusiasm catching. He charged people to reform and be ready to greet the longed-for Messiah because he is coming! In their excitement, people mistakenly thought that maybe John himself was “the One.”
John knew that nonsense had to stop. It is a tribute to John’s humility that he did it as fast as he could. “No, I am not him. More than that, I’m not even worthy to untie the man’s sandal straps.” He never let on that he had Jesus’ special favor as a cousin. Later, we know that Jesus would pay John quite the compliment.
Today’s Scriptures together speak of joy as the perfect reaction to the good news of the Savior’s arrival. Of course, the way of His coming was not expected. There was no mounting of a stallion or a large assembly of troops. Certainly, no triumphant banners fluttering in the breeze.
Instead, He would be gently humble and strongly self-assured, bringing with Him a baptism with “the Holy Spirit and fire.” He would separate the wheat from the chaff and burn away the latter with a catching fire.
Such descriptions left the people confused and not a little disappointed, considering what the long wait did to change the concept of Messiah into a military hero. What John was saying was startling. But it was also compelling. But they didn’t flee the scene because John had an inherent magnetism. What he had to say was altogether new. It challenged their preconceptions conceptions of the Messiah. John spoke of an interior renewal that would lead one away from sinful ways.
There was also a resounding note of joy in John’s message. Sharp contrast to their disillusion because of the long wait for relief from oppression. So many years they and their children had asked: “Where is God?”
To be frank, we’ve often asked ourselves that question. The devil seems to be in control of our world too. Aren’t fellow Christians being persecuted in parts of our world? Aren’t the jabs of sarcasm still aiming our way as they were for the early Christians reasons to doubt our faith? Isn’t the relentless push to justify abortion on demand and the unchallenged indulgence in pornography simply evil with another name?
Those are just two reasons why we must turn to the gospel message of joy that comes with the approach of Christmas. It is the rebirth of hope. It is the powerful antidote to pessimism. It is the call to childlike trust because it’s all about the birth of a holy Child. We can enjoy a rosy outlook (like the color of the vestments today) because we have the best Truth to believe in.
God love you and give you His peace.
Rev. Peterson’s Reading & Gospel Summary
Reading I: Zephaniah 3: 14-18a
Here we have a summons for people to begin rejoicing, through the intervention of Yahweh, genuine victory is coming to end their present defeat.
Reading II: Philippians 4: 4-7
God’s peace “surpasses all understanding,” and so it is always cause for us to rejoice.
The Gospel: Luke 3: 10-18
John the Baptist preaches that the way to salvation is through service of others. He also insists that he is not the Messiah, but only his spokesperson.