Advent 2025: Wed 3 Dec
Mark 1.6-7 The Message
6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt round his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: ‘After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
I’m sure that John’s appearance and behaviour piqued the curiosity of more than a few who’d turned up to see him. He looked the part – wild clothing, wild appearance, wild diet, a rough and tough preacher, someone who would catch and hold people’s attention as he preached with fire in his belly. John had been under a vow from birth, and he was set apart for the work God had planned for him. John was related to Jesus, but he may not have realised that the one coming after him would be his cousin!
John had the power of God through the Holy Spirit in him from birth. He was a powerful prophet and preacher. He spoke the words people needed to hear, not what they wanted to hear. He knew that he would soon be eclipsed by one who was greater than him. This person was so mighty that the great John did not even consider himself fit to untie his sandal-straps, a task that would have been assigned to a slave or servant.
John’s mission was to prepare people to be ready for the coming Messiah.
It’s possible that John and Jesus may have played together as children. What do you fancy may have been the sort of things they did together or talked about?
How long do you imagine John’s ministry going on before Jesus arrived?
Father God, there are times when we as Church or as individuals veer away from the path you set, and we need to hear the truth spoken plainly to us by those you call, wherever and however they proclaim it. Open our ears, Lord. Amen.
Advent can be celebrated on two levels. Firstly, we can look forward, along with the prophets of old, to the birth of Jesus and his ministry on earth. Secondly, we can look forward right now to his return.
Caroline Cobb: Oh Righteous Branch
Paul