In traditional Books of Common Prayer, the Gospels for both the Third and Fourth Sundays in Advent deal with John the Baptist. For this Sunday, the emphasis is upon John as the messenger of the Lord (Matthew 11:2-10). In a sense, John the Baptist was the last of the Hebrew prophets, but he was also more than an average prophet. He was a special messenger sent to be the forerunner of the Messiah. He prepared the way by proclaiming a message of repentance, forgiveness and renewal.
Of course, John the Baptist was a unique figure in the history of salvation, but he was also an example for us. Although Jesus the Christ has come and accomplished His redemptive work, that work has to be applied to human lives again and again. As Christians, we are to continue being messengers of repentance, forgiveness and renewal. Advent is a season to remind us to continue John's preparatory work. In ways appropriate to our circumstances, each of us is called to apply the ancient message to our lives and to the lives of those around us.
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