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Text- (Matthew 3:1 & 2) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (New International Version)
Thought starters
During this Christmas or Advent season we hear of two men. Isaiah the Predictor, who predicted the birth of Jesus over 700 years before he was born, and John the Baptist who was the one born before Jesus to prepare the way for Jesus
In the Bible Matthew tells us “In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
It is hard for someone your age to understand all this John the Baptist stuff. John was in charge of telling people to “repent.” What does “repent” mean?
It means to change, to regret what you have done, to go a new direction. John wanted people to turn away from sin. He wanted people to change the way they were living and get ready for the Messiah who was to follow. John didn’t do this quietly; he was loud and always in someone’s face. Telling them to get ready.
Have you ever been in a car when your mom or dad has to suddenly make a sharp turn to avoid hitting an animal or another car? What happens? Does the car make a jerk one way or another? Sometimes it is so sharp a turn that the car rocks back and forth briefly. Does your car change direction suddenly? Are you startled? Maybe someone else in the car said, Look out!” Or whoever was driving said “Hang on!”
John the Baptist was the one saying, “Look out?” Turn here!” “Change Direction!” He was rocking the people, shaking them up. Preparing them for who is coming?
Who is coming?
Are you ready?
Prayer-Dear God, Thank you for John the Baptist. May we listen to him and change direction. As we prepare for the Birth of Jesus. Amen
Hymn-”The Baptist Shouts on Jordan’s Shore” Charles Coffin
Video/Computer Screen- A U-turn sign with out the line through it.
by William Bode
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