He comes!

Prepare ye the way!

1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah,[a] the Son of God,[b] 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way”[c]—

3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,

make straight paths for him.’”[d]

4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with[e] water, but he will baptize you with[f] the Holy Spirit.”-Mark1:1-8

Christmas is just around the corner. This season brings a kind of joy and merriment in the hearts of all. Food, gifts, parties, bonuses, holiday breaks and store sales are here and there. Yes, we are happy and satisfied. Of course we are happy that the Lord Jesus is born to save us all. Hey, there is no Christmas festivity if it wasn't for Jesus.

But before Christmas, there is one man whose part in the life of Jesus is significant. John the Baptist, the voice from the wilderness, announced the coming of the Lord which gave joy to mankind. It is not just an announcement alone but an invitation for us all to be the welcoming committee when John said, "Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight his paths." How? By living out our baptism, acknowledging our sins and repentance. No other better way to celebrate Christmas and welcome Jesus than repentance and to be Christ-like in thought, word and action.

Image courtesy: Titian (John the Baptist) and artist