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
Most 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 – why? - no distractions – so he can listen to God. Every now and then – put aside phone, turn
off TV -just be with God
Here is fruit of his
desert time:
1)
He learned 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 - I am
not in control! Talk with nephew Kevin – you are praying for my Mom, right? My
sister is cancer free but will be on medication for 5 years – but you are still
praying, right? I Need a Savior. I need Eucharist - I
need prayer - I need God!
2)
He learned
about Repentance
I visited 2nd
grade this week. Students pointed out to me: Elf on the shelf – a scout sent by
Santa from the North Pole – helps Santa manage his naughty and nice list – 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 can
be forgiven – Baptist: turn back to God!
Nothing like a good
confession!!! Reconciliation Monday Dec
19 from 4-8
3) He learned 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. Not afraid to witness to his faith. Best way???
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.
