One who baptizes with Holy Spirit and fire –
Heaven’s kingdom has come near.
The wilderness’ voice continues to cry out and proclaim, “Repent. Prepare the way of the Lord.”
May we go out toward that voice, confess our sins, and bear fruit worthy of repentance.
May we, like John the Baptist, know the power of the One who is coming – the One who winnows, clears, gathers, and burns.
The One who raises up children from stones.
Amen.
(The Second Sunday of Advent is December 4.)