Advent Reflection: The Ministry of John the Baptist

"Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near."

Matthew 3:2

These days, if we even use the word "repent" in common discourse, we emphasize feeling bad for something we have done. "I have repented" means "I am truly sorry for my actions." Biblically speaking, repentance may imply sorrow for sin, but it includes so much more. Repentance is a thorough change of life. It's thinking in a new way and heading in a new way. It's turning from one sort of life to embrace another.

The approach of the kingdom of heaven called forth repentance in the day of John the Baptist. So it does today. When we recognize God's sovereignty over our lives, when we realize that God is present to guide and use us for his purposes, we can't keep living in the same way. Rather, we turn away from self-centeredness so that we might live for God. We reject a life of sin so that we might live rightly for God's glory.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Has the kingdom of heaven led you to genuine repentance? How does the reign of God over your life impact your daily living?

PRAYER: Dear God, you are the King of kings and Lord of lords. Your kingdom touches all of life, including me. When I reflect on the implications of your sovereignty, I am called to repentance. I want to leave my sin behind and follow you. I seek to live for you this day, seeking your glory rather than my own.

Though my situation differs widely from that of John's audience in the Judean wilderness, help me to hear a similar call to repentance. By your grace at work within me, may I turn my life around so that I might live fully for you each day . . . beginning right now. Amen.

________________________________________________________

P.S. from Mark: For centuries, the Christian season of Advent has enabled people to prepare for a deeper celebration of the birth of Christ. Through Advent, we can grow closer to God and experience his loving presence.

During this season, we invite you to join us in thoughtful expectation, as we share daily Advent reflections in this online space. I have written many of these reflections myself, and we have invited a few editors from The High Calling, along with other guests from our extended network, to share reflections during this season of Advent. Whether you use this guide for your personal time with God or as part of a family devotional time, we pray it will open your heart to knowing God’s love more deeply in this Christmas season and preparing to receive the greatest gift, the birth of Christ.

Image courtesy of Laity Lodge Family Camp, one of our sister programs in the Foundations for Laity Renewal.