Preparing the Way

2nd Sunday in Advent.
Readings:
Old Testament: Malachi 3:1-7b
Epistle: Philemon 1:2-11
Gospel: Luke 3:1-14 (15-20)

Grace, Mercy, and Peace be unto you from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

We all have a job to do. And it seems this is the season when people are at their best, when their hearts are turned towards helping others in need. You can already see the salvation army volunteers out in front of stores ringing their bells. But our job isn't a seasonal one. Is isn't to be confined to the month of advent, but rather is one that should performed througout the whole year. Just as many of you set new year's resolutions, the new year being a time of new beginnings, so should advent be a time to set new Christian goals, and one of those goals should be to prepare the way for Christ's return- to, "go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit" (MT 28:19) This is our commission. This is how we prepare the way for Christ's second advent. Just as we must prepare the way for Christ's return, so was it necessary to prepare for his first coming, when he would become the Light of the World.
Now, prepare comes from the Latin word praeparar, which means "before something is brought forth." it is what must be done. My Webster's dictionary defines it this way:
1. to make ready, usually for a specific purpose; make suitable; fit; adapt; train
2. to make receptive; dispose; accustom

Our Old Testament lesson says, "See I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me." And we read in the Gospel lesson of John the Baptist going throughout the area around the River Jordan, where he preached of a baptism for the forgiveness of sins. This is what had to be done to prepare the way for Christ. It is in the River Jordan, by John the Baptist that Christ is baptized and receives the Holy Spirit- about which John says, "I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel" (Jn 1:31) So only by preparing the way could Christ be revealed. And now we are all called to be ambassadors of Christ.

In the Epistle lesson, Paul, "prays that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you may have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ."
In Luke, John says "produce fruit in keeping with repentance" Now, those listening to John ask him how this is accomplished, to which he replies, "the man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same." Give in the name of Christ and share your faith, by this we produce fruit. By producing fruit, being in Christ, the vine, "the Father prunes you so that you will be even more fruitful." Andy by these things we can come to understand all the good things we have in Christ while preparing the way for his return. Christ is the reason for the season, and in His name we should diligently do our work, preparing the way for His return. His love will surely not fail or cease. God has already delivered on his promise of redemption and salvation, and that is why we celebrate in this very special time of year. Let your celebrating and rejoicing overflow to those around you, and into the coming days and months. Make it your resolution to carry on with your work in Christ's name, until that day He returns, Amen.