Worship - 15 December 2024

Summary of this week's theme

This week’s gospel takes us back into the wilderness with John the Baptist, a prophet shining light into the darkness of first-century Palestine. John’s confrontational approach - calling his audience a ‘brood of vipers’ - may seem harsh, but it underscored his urgency to prepare people for spiritual transformation. His mission was to point to the one who would baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire, emphasising that he was a light but not the light.

Reflecting on John’s ministry, I’m reminded of driving through rural Ontario during winter evenings. The occasional farmhouse lights across snowy fields were more than functional - they symbolised life, presence, and the warmth of home. Similarly, John’s message was a beacon for those seeking a spiritual home, echoing Isaiah’s call to ‘prepare the way of the Lord.’ Although the Israelites were no longer physically exiled, John’s proclamation invited them to a deeper, spiritual return.

John’s humility stands out. Despite his charisma and boldness, he willingly stepped aside for Jesus, embracing a faith that allowed him to fulfil his role without overshadowing the Messiah. This humility calls us to recognise our own place in God’s work, not through self-promotion but by pointing others towards Christ.

As we journey through Advent, we are invited to embody John’s spirit, becoming lights in the darkness. Our baptism reminds us of this calling - not merely as a sign of repentance, but as a covenant to live differently. John focused less on professions of belief and more on actions - living lives that resist evil, seek justice, and serve others. Similarly, the Anglican baptismal covenant emphasises how we live our faith in tangible ways.

Being a light doesn’t require grandeur; even small acts of warmth and presence can illuminate someone’s path. Just as farmhouse lights could provide comfort to a traveller in the dark, our lives can be signs of God’s presence for those seeking hope. Whether as lighthouses, or as quiet, steady flames, we are called to shine, showing others the way home.

As we await the birth of Christ, may we embrace the mystery and wonder of the Advent season, and may our lives reflect the light of the one who invites us to find our true home in him - and to help others to do the same.