John the Baptist is preparing the way for the Messiah, the one who will come in power and “baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Those who came out to John to be baptized were being prepared by John’s preaching. “What should we do?” they ask. John’s baptism is a baptism of repentance. God’s work in the people is by His grace. The evidence of that work will be found in the active demonstration of their love for their neighbor, bringing hope to other. How is God preparing you as He fills you with hope to share with your neighbor?
The word “Advent” means “coming.” Something is coming… SomeOne is coming…and with Him, comes hope. In this time of preparation for our celebration of Christ’s first advent, and in our longing for His coming again, God again and again fills our lives with His version of hope—a certainty and expectation rooted in God’s Word and His faithfulness. Lives filled with hope in Christ reach other lives so they, too, can experience the renewal and hope found only in Jesus, our coming Savior and King.
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