Isaiah 35.1-10

Matthew 3.1-12

preparation is everything

I.

During Advent, I am tempted to say here we go again. There is a certain repetition that goes with the season. But, in a culture that thrives on novelty and is quick to throw out what is old simply because it is so last year, I need more than a few reminders that repetition is not a bad thing. Anyone who has learned a musical instrument or played sports or memorized verse, knows that you are shaped not by the things you do only once but by what you repeat. This is why we tell certain stories again and again to our children and our children’s children so that we can learn them by heart and recite them by memory. Our culture knows this, or used to; for instance, finish this line: it was the night before Christmas and ... –

The Church knows it, or used to: – Our Father who art in ..., The Lord is my ... - The Church’s intent is that we know these things by heart – not merely memorize them, but truly know them; which is another way of saying live them. There was certain man who on his way to Jericho was mugged by thieves and left half-dead beside the road ... and after all the religious people passed him by, along came a Samaritan who had compassion on him. And so on. Why do we tell the story of the Good Samaritan? So that we may learn how to live our lives in light of it.

Mindless repetition is not the point. Of course. Mindfulness is.

So the first thing to be said is that the repetition of the season of Advent is an opportunity for the people of God to hear again and again the stories of God coming among us until by that very story we learn to live lives that reflect the way of Jesus Christ.

The second thing is that Advent is an odd season precisely because it is runs counter to our culture. For those who embrace it fully, the very oddity is what ushers you into a deeper sense and more joyful experience of Christ at Christmas. It is odd because while most of us are racing to and fro with activities, shopping and parties already celebrating THE DAY. Advent is the discipline that urges us to STOP and PONDER astonishing events that have turned the world inside out.

II

The story we are learning by heart is the story of God’s way with the world that includes Israel in the wilderness. Each year Christians are reminded of our roots by the presence of the oddest of the odd prophets, John the Baptist. John, like all the prophets tells Israel that God’s ways are not our ways, neither are they the ways of the world that has turned away from God.

One is coming, indeed, we know has come who is bringing God’s way. John the Baptist standing on the hinge of history has a singular message: the reign of God has come, change your ways or suffer the consequences. Good news – the reign of God has come. Bad news – change your ways.

We would rather dismiss John, along with all the prophets both then and now, who deliver a similar message. I don’t really want to be told the truth when the truth requires change. Do you? This is the problem with the truth – especially when it uncovers facts we would rather not face. It doesn’t feed good to hear it, but it is the very medicine I need.

When the photos and facts of Abu Ghraib prison came forth, it was very painful for the nation to face a reality that forced us to change our perception and our practices. The current debate about torture is forcing me to ask hard questions about what I believe to be a the core of our nation’s values and practices.

My father, who is no longer alive, was a victim of torture in WW II. He might have agreed with John McCain, also victim of torture in time of war, who said the other day, who would have thought that we would be discussing whether it is permissible to strap someone on a board and hold them under water until they have a drowning sensation? I think we are having a difficult time facing truths that we would rather not hear. War has a way of doing that to a people.

When a nation of immigrants begins to point fingers at other immigrants hurling accusations and descending into vitriol of the worst kind of racism, we have to face truths about ourselves that are very uncomfortable. Easier to switch the channel, or go shopping.

III

John the Baptist, stood by the river Jordan, with a singular message to Israel. God’s anointed One has come near in Jesus, change your ways. This is the truth that throws the world into crisis.

God has come near. The story of the world now has a counter story; an alternative to the godless narrative where the powerful rule the powerless, the poor are disregarded, and the hungry left to fend for themselves. God has come near and a new world is breaking in. The world foretold by Israel’s other ancient prophet, Isaiah.

All creation shall join in praise. The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad. The desert will rejoice and blossom. Why? Because God has come near. They eyes of the blind shall be opened, the ears of deaf unstopped; the lame shall leap like a deer and the tongues of the speechless sing for joy.

John the Baptist says this is what is happening in Jesus. God has come near. It’s the story the world doesn’t perceive. Neither does it comprehend a merciful God coming to us in the form of a helpless child born to refugee parents, who becomes a suffering servant healing the sick, welcoming outcasts, forgiving sinners and offering his life for the salvation of all.

The kingdom of God has come near. So what?

III

So what? Well, John the Baptist says, Repent. Turn in a whole new direction. Turn toward the One whose presence is at hand. The notion of repentance is hard for most folks, in part because it’s word we don’t use often. But it’s also because change – deep change of our lives – is very difficult. We don’t come to it easily. Yet, who among us would say in the presence of God and one another, “I have no need for repentance, my life is perfectly fine as it is. Thank you very much?”

The classical assurance of pardon says this: may God have mercy upon you, forgive you all your sins, and by the power of the Spirit, give you time to amend your life.

We spoke last week of the two practices of Advent:

Be Awake, to presence of God in all things,

Be Dressed, in the garments of Christ, compassion, mercy and patience.

Let me add a third practice, Make Amends.

During this holy season of Advent, in which we celebrate God’s coming among us in Jesus and anticipate the new creation, why not examine all your relations carefully? Put them on a list as carefully as your shopping list.

Then, with the help of God’s Spirit, make amends where necessary.

Let grudges go.

Forgive.

Reconcile.

Take the first step toward a new way of living. This is what it means to repent.

Just imagine for a moment how joyful Christmas will be when your list is complete in every way.

Amen.