Jesus Christ -
We come around once again to the beginning of Your good news.
A beginning that opens with a voice crying out to us.
May we listen to the messengers that come to us in the wilderness - messengers who tell us to prepare for Your way. Messengers who proclaim a baptism of repentance and forgiveness. Messengers who speak prophetic words.
Messengers who point us to the One who is more powerful - to the One who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit.
As we listen to these voices, shape us to be messengers as well and weave us into the ancient - yet ever present - story of John the baptizer.
Amen.