Doing Christmas
shopping – saw Santa, Frosty & Baby Jesus – no JB
On the way to
Bethlehem – we must cross the Jordan River.
This is where we meet
that unusual figure – John the Baptist
Some consider him the
last and greatest of the OT prophets.
Jesus took him very
seriously “among those born of women none greater than JB”
Church celebrates 3
birthdays
-
Jesus – Dec 25 Mary – Sept 8 JB – June 24
He spent a great deal
of time in desert – no distractions – listening to God.
Here is fruit of his
desert time:
1)
Teaches
about Humility
“I am not worthy to
untie his sandals” & “he must increase and I must decrease.”
Humility – this is
not putting oneself down.
Realize – in certain
areas of life – things happen that I cannot control - Talk
with nephew Kevin – you are praying for my Mom, right? Treatments will help
& I will be with her next Friday – but you are praying, right? I Need a Savior. I need Eucharist - I
need prayer - I need God!
2)
Teaches
about Repentance
Elf on the shelf – a
scout sent by Santa from the North Pole – helps Santa manage his naughty and
nice list - family adopts – goes to NP
each night to make his report about what you were doing.
A tough one – I would
not stand a chance - see: Baptist knows I will sin, but I also need
a place to go so I can be forgiven!
Nothing like a good
confession!!! Reconciliation Monday.
Monday 4-8
3) Teaches about Integrity
He was a person of
principle & conviction – told the truth with love
Soldiers –
nonbelievers – do not practice extortion, do not accuse anyone falsely.
Tax collectors - believers
but not practicing – stop collecting more than prescribed
Faithful ones –
whoever has 2 cloaks should share with the person who has none. Whoever has
food should do likewise.
Walk the walk - be the same person at church, in school, at home
& work.
On our way to
Bethlehem – need to stop at the Jordan River.
John will be waiting
for us
To teach us about
humility - repentance -
integrity.
To help us prepare
the way for the Lord.
