Matthew 3:1-12

1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” 4 Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Saducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9 Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has Come Near

John the Baptist urges those who come to him in the wilderness to repent. This is the essence of the message that the Forerunner proclaims. "Now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, and with fasting...rend your heart, not your garments, and return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness. Return to Him from evil" Joel 2:12-13.

Advent invites us to listen to the Baptist, to meet him in the wilderness, our wilderness at home, where we dare to examine how true and real our practice of faith is. In this wilderness, let us thank the Lord for His coming, and prepare our hearts to welcome Him.

In this wilderness, let us dare to admit that we have not committed ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Sometimes we claim our decisions and actions are inspired by heaven, when they are not.

Let us thank God for the positive energy and acts we keep doing. Return to Him to renew our commitment to His Love, asking for His forgiveness with determination "to walk in His presence and be blameless" Genesis 17:1.

John the Baptist is preaching about a powerful Messiah that's coming to restore God's Justice. He will be almighty and merciful when we return to Him, but also just to separate the wheat from the chaff.

It is time to confess our sins, to tear our hearts and not our clothes, so that our consciences may regain the favor of happiness with the celebration of Jesus' Birth.

Repent, accept the challenge, and be God's friends that walk in His Presence.