December 7, 2025

Scripture

Matthew 3:1-12 ~ In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Reflection

John the Baptist was a proclaimer. This was a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 40: “A voice is calling, clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.” A proclaimer was one who went before the king to make the rough places straight before the king’s arrival. John’s message of a repentance for the forgiveness of sins paved the way for Jesus. This message of hope was the best comfort God’s people could have: the proclamation of a coming Savior.

Amidst all the busyness of this Advent season, may we make a way in our hearts to ponder the wonder of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. May we worship and adore our King with all glory and praise for Jesus. With joy overflowing in our hearts, may we proclaim the Good News to others.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for John the Baptist proclaiming the message of repentance to prepare the way for Jesus. It is wonderful to know that the Messiah who was prophesied in Isaiah so many years ago has forgiven our sins and given us the Holy Spirit. May we be joyful proclaimers of the good news of forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.

In the name of your precious Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Kathy Rudh