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Windows into the Light by Michael Sullivan

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Signposts: Daily Devotions

Saturday, December 20

And [John the Baptizer] was preaching, and saying, "After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I baptize you with water but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
—Mark 1:7-8

When I was a child, I thought John the Baptist sounded cool. Living out in the wilderness, long hair, unshaven, he sounded like the Bible's version of one of the Beatles or some other member of those groups I worshipped from the British invasion. So when we read about him in the lessons, I listened. Someone that cool must have had something really important to say.

While my impressions may have changed, the conclusion has not. John was saying something incredible. He was announcing that the world was getting ready to change, that God was going to come and dwell among us, liberate us, and bring us closer to heaven in doing so. John was announcing a new day where all God's people could know they were loved.

That's a radical message for John's time and a radical message for today. Every once in a while, I read about a minister or a lay person who has pushed the established church to love a little deeper, a little broader. And I usually read of the response—the putting down, the distancing, the banishment to the wilderness.

I see the modern-day prophet standing there, crying that a new day is coming, that righteousness and mercy have kissed each other and that all God's children will find love. And then my mind goes full circle and I see John the Baptist moving into view.

Prophets scare us. Their message is more than we can stand. After all, they are usually saying something that so alters our world view we do not know how to respond. But hear John's words again,

After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I baptize you with water but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

Can you hear it? Can you believe it? Can you let the child that comes this year be the one who does change the world? Can you believe in a new kingdom this Christmas?

Or will you get scared of the fella with the long hair because he is too scary, too prophetic? Isn't it time we all heard John—and believed?

God you give me prophets that announce a new day in your Son; open my heart to John's voice this year that as the Christ breaks into the world, I might believe in the kingdom and do my part in proclaiming it in our midst. Amen.