IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Here we are again in the season of Advent, when we focus our attention on the coming of our Lord, the one who was and is and is to come.
In many of our churches, we include John the Baptizer in our readings for Advent, despite the fact he is a most unlikely Christmas character and a most unlikely character on the highway to heaven.
Our old friend John doesn't seem to fit into our Christmas pageant picture of heralding angels, gentle shepherds, generous wise men, lowing cattle, fluffy sheep and poor, but noble parents, awed by the birth of the baby Jesus.
We hear John's message at this time to be reminded of a truth that we may have forgotten.
He calls us to hear that without repentance and forgiveness there can be no new life. The true miracle of Christmas is that God has taken human flesh and dwells among us; that God has come to us, where we are, that we might live with Him forever.
This Christmas, amid all the hustle and bustle of the season, please take time to listen for the thunder in the desert.
Take time to listen for John and invite him into your life and hear his Good News: "Prepare the way of the Lord and you shall see the salvation of God."
And when you have heard John's Good News, come to the manger and receive the new life offered there.
