John the Baptist

You cannot get to Christmas without John the Baptist. Of course, if a person simply celebrates “culture’s Christmas” it is possible, but biblically, theologically, and liturgically, it is not possible to reach the Christ Child in the Manger without first encountering John the Baptist.
In Mark, Luke, and John we see John before or simultaneously with Jesus. Matthew includes John the Baptizer immediately after the Holy Family returns from Egypt. John is a part of the Christmas story, and his role is unique: to introduce Jesus.
He is not your “normal” guy, he is rough around the edges, and he does not fit into the traditional religious establishment. But with his camel hair clothes and diet of grasshoppers, he calls us to get ready, to prepare our lives for the coming of the Messiah.
John the Baptizer is not present in our nativity scenes we place around our homes, but he is there. He is calling us to get ready, to get our lives in order, because a baby is coming that will change everything.
This Sunday in worship we will hear from John the Baptizer who brings an important Advent message. Get ready. Prepare your heart. Clean out and make room. One is coming who will take over your life, and we must be ready.