Prepare the Way of the Lord
Second Sunday of Advent
“Prepare the way of the Lord!” wild John the Baptist instructs us on this second Sunday of Advent. Yes, in Advent. It might seem rather bewildering to be confronted by John in this season of expectant waiting for the arrival of Christmas, but I have grown to love his passionate presence here.
John is here in Advent to remind us of the One for whom we wait. The One who we have found incarnates Israel’s long yearning for a righteous and trustworthy Judge, who decides with equity for the meek of the earth (Isaiah 11:4b). The shoot from the stump of Jesse, whose sandals John is unworthy to carry, who carries with him a baptism of purifying fire and of the Holy Spirit. The One full of the knowledge and fear of the LORD—of what God loves, what God abhors, what God delights in, what makes God grieve.
John is here in Advent to command us to make straight the paths to our hearts and our lives. Turning these to God allows Christ to transform us, for the sake of the world God so loves, making all things new. We are called to bear the fruit worthy of this turning and transformation—generosity, humility, mercy, hope, steadfast love.
John is here in Advent to prepare us for Christ Jesus’ return, when there will be no more hurting or destruction. When the delightful vision of Isaiah 11:6-8 will come to pass: the lamb will fearlessly host the wolf as a roommate; the baby goat and leopard will have a sleepover; the calf, lion, and fatling will be best friends, and a little child will safely lead the motley crew. This is where God is taking us. Survival of the fittest is not the innovation or intention of God. And Jesus has shown us that not even death will stop God from bringing to fruition what God does intend.
Advent’s heightened emphasis on the expected return of Jesus re-energized this season, and the one that follows, for me as an adult. We are caught up in the adventure of what God is up to in Christ as we await his assured return in glory. How exciting!