“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Everywhere you go…â€

That is true in Greenville this morning. Which means we’re not going anywhere.

Had we been able to get to Immanuel this morning to observe the 2nd Sunday in Advent, we would have been greeted by John the Baptist.  John’s appearance every year on this Sunday announces that Christ and Christmas is drawing near.

The Church makes an interesting choice to feature John the Baptist at this time of year because John is not at all jolly.  But think of those God has pressed into His service: Barren women.  Old priests.  Babies.  Wild-eyed prophets.  Itinerant preachers.  Executed criminals.

God isn’t done working that way.  He continues to work through unlikely characters to announce to the world the Good News of His salvation.

God is now at work through US, His priesthood.  Every single day.  In our time and place.  To our family, neighbors, friends and coworkers.  Even on days when we can’t leave the house.  Because it’s News too Good to keep to ourselves:

“A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.  Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.  And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’† (Isaiah 40:3-5)

God grant you warmth and safety in this weather, all the while praying for those whose vocation calls them to get out and work in it.  We will look forward to seeing you Wednesday for Advent Evening Prayer.

On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry

Announces that the Lord is nigh;

Awake and hearken, for he brings

Glad tidings of the King of kings!

(LSB 344:1)

Pastor VanOsdol