Advent: Week 2

​The second week of Advent invites us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ by embracing peace, repentance, and readiness for the King. This is the second Sunday of Advent, and this is John the Baptist’s day.[1] Acclaimed Episcopal Priest Fleming Rutledge writes, “John the Baptist sets the tone for the first weeks of Advent, and in all four Gospels, he sets the tone for the proclamation of Jesus Christ. Jesus arrives on the scene precisely at the moment John says, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” This is apocalyptic language, and it signifies the arrival of God. When Jesus appears, the message of John has come true—“The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Even if we thought we could fit baby Jesus into our scheme of things at Christmastime, there is no way to get rid of the recalcitrant figure of John the Baptist announcing “the wrath to come.”[2]  This preparation mirrors the mission of John the Baptist, the forerunner who heralded the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah. As we journey through Advent, we reflect on how John’s message of repentance, renewal, and readiness applies to us today. His life reminds us that our hearts and lives must be in order for the King’s arrival—not only as we celebrate His birth but also as we anticipate His return.
 
The Call of John the Baptist
John the Baptist is a compelling figure who stands at the crossroads of the Old and New Testaments. His birth to Zechariah and Elizabeth, a righteous couple of priestly lineages, was nothing short of miraculous. In their old age, they were granted a child who would “be great before the Lord” and who would prepare people for the coming of Christ (Luke 1:15–17). From the outset, John’s life was set apart for a singular mission: to be the voice crying out in the wilderness, as prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 40:3).
 
Luke 3:1 - 8
John’s ministry began in the Judean wilderness, where he lived a simple and strict life, clothed in camel hair and sustained by locusts and wild honey (Mark 1:6). His lifestyle vividly reflected his message—a call to turn away from worldly distractions and focus on spiritual preparation. John was not concerned with appearances or social conventions; he focused entirely on pointing others to Christ.
 
John’s Ministry

• Preparing the Way (The Road) John’s proclamation, “Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight,” was a call to action for the people of Israel. His message was urgent and sobering: the long-awaited Messiah was coming, and the nation needed to be ready.

When a king traveled in ancient times, roads were repaired and cleared to ensure a smooth journey. This physical preparation symbolizes the spiritual preparation required for Christ’s arrival. John urged people to clear their lives of sin, complacency, and distractions, making room for the King. Similarly, Advent calls us to examine our hearts and remove anything that hinders our relationship with God. Are we ready for the king's arrival?

• Baptism: Baptism, a ritual symbolizing repentance and the cleansing of sin, was central to John's ministry. While baptism was not foreign to the Jewish people, John’s approach was unique. He baptized Jews as part of their preparation for the Kingdom of God, challenging the assumption that heritage alone ensured righteousness.
  
  

John’s baptism was for the remission of sin, but it also points to a public declaration of repentance and a commitment to new life. This act reminded us that preparing for the Messiah required external compliance and a genuine change of heart. In Advent, as we reflect on our baptisms, we are reminded of our need for ongoing repentance and renewal as we prepare for Christ’s coming.

• The Ax: John warned the Pharisees and Sadducees, who came for baptism without true repentance, that “Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 3:10). This imagery pointed to judgment: trees that did not bear good fruit would be cut down and thrown into the fire.

The Pharisees and Sadducees represented religious hypocrisy—outward displays of piety without genuine faith or transformation. John’s warning is a call to authenticity in our spiritual lives. During Advent, we are invited to bear fruit that reflects our faith, such as love, kindness, generosity, and humility. Are we trees that bear good fruit, or are we in danger of being cut down?

• The Fire: In John’s teaching, fire symbolizes both judgment and purification. Those who refused to repent would be destroyed, while those who turned to God would be refined and made holy.

This dual symbolism reminds us that God’s judgment is both disciplinary and restorative. The fire of His Spirit purifies our hearts, burning away sin and transforming us into His likeness. Advent is a season of purification, a time when we allow God to refine us in preparation for the joy of His coming.

John’s Example of Humility and Purpose
John the Baptist’s life was marked by humility and unwavering purpose. He understood his role as the forerunner, declaring, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” (John 3:30). John’s ministry was not about self-promotion but pointing others to Jesus. He consistently deflected attention from himself, directing people to the One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
 
John’s humility challenges us to examine our own lives. Are we focused on promoting ourselves, or are we pointing others to Christ? Advent reminds us that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God and prepare the way for His Kingdom.

Advent: A Season of Preparation and Anticipation
The second week of Advent focuses on peace, which comes through preparation. Just as John called the people of Israel to prepare for the Messiah’s first coming, we are called to prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth and His second coming. This preparation involves more than decorating our homes or buying gifts; it requires a deep examination of our hearts and a commitment to live in alignment with God’s will.

1. Repentance:
   John’s message of repentance remains relevant today. Advent is a time to turn away from sin and turn toward God. Through prayer, confession, and acts of charity, we acknowledge our need for His grace and align our lives with His purposes.
2. Renewal:
   Just as John baptized people in repentance, cleansing, and renewal, Advent invites us to renew our faith and recommit ourselves to Christ. This renewal may involve letting go of old habits, forgiving others, or embracing new spiritual disciplines.
3. Readiness:
   Advent is a season of anticipation, not only for Christmas but also for Christ’s return. Are we ready to meet the King? Like John, we must prepare the way, making straight the paths in our hearts and lives.

 
A Personal Reflection: Preparing for the King
Reflecting on John the Baptist and the Advent season reminds us of the importance of preparation. One memory stands out: I was responsible for organizing a significant event. Despite my best efforts, I realized at the last minute that I had overlooked a crucial detail. The scramble to correct my oversight was stressful, but it taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of readiness.
 
This memory parallels John’s message. The arrival of a King demands preparation. Just as I needed to ensure every detail was in place for that event, we must ensure that our hearts and lives are ready for Christ’s arrival. The stakes are infinitely higher when it comes to the Kingdom of God.
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Advent is a time to pause, reflect, and ensure our preparations are in order. It is an opportunity to clear the clutter from our lives and focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God and our readiness to welcome Him.
 
Conclusion: Are We Ready?
John the Baptist’s life and message offer timeless lessons for us during Advent. His call to repentance, renewal, and readiness challenges us to prepare our hearts for the coming King. As we light the Advent candles and reflect on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, we are reminded that preparation for Christ’s arrival requires intentional action and a humble spirit.
 
This Advent season, let us take John’s message to heart. May we repent of our sins, renew our faith, and prepare our lives for the King. Whether we are celebrating His birth or anticipating His return, let us ensure that all preparations are in order for the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah.
The King is coming—are we ready?
 

[1] Fleming Rutledge, Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018), 293.

[2] Fleming Rutledge, Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018), 294.

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