Matthew 3:1-6

“In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” vss. 1-2

Out in the culture kids are waiting for Santa to show up in the malls and shopping centers…it’s not really Christmas in their estimation until his arrival. We wonder how they would react if they got John the Baptist instead. No fat elf here, with red coat trimmed in white, and a big wide black belt. This wild-eyed prophet would be dressed in the skin of a camel with a leather belt around his waist…and his message would be jolting. “Repent, change your ways!” Of course the kids would be scared…and their parents angry. “How dare John show up just before Christmas with such upsetting words!” Actually John comes every year about this time…he’s an Advent kind of guy and wants us to remember that the key to kingdom living is repentance. For those who think that message is a downer, think again! What would life be like if we never took time to change the way we’re living, particularly when we’ve wandered far from the way of righteousness? No one of us is living as we ought to live. All of us are easy prey for the cares of this world. We love the sweet comforts of luxurious living…no matter what the cost. We need the jolt that John delivers. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Thought for the Day: What will happen if I refuse to repent?