Our preparation for the season should not be about us and our needs, but about the one who is coming into the world.
John the Baptist made sure that his message and works were not about him and all about Jesus.
John 1:6-8
We deal with so much centered around ourselves and living up to a bar that the world sets for us.
We try to….
- Be a people pleaser.
- Stay positive.
- Not fail
Sin……………………..Repentance
Anticipation………Preparation
Fear………………….Freedom
He wasn’t worried about self.
Everything was to make the coming of Christ known.
John 1:9-18
John wanted his message to be, you may see me now, but someone else is coming.
You may see me as your hope.
You may listen to my words for direction.
You may see my light in your dark world.
But…..
Someone else is coming that will….
Give you hope that will fulfill you.
Give you direction that will lead you.
That will be the light to consume you.
That is….the Messiah, King Jesus.
1st Thessalonians 5:16-24
The problem John the Baptist faced is that the coming Messiah (JTB) was telling of didn’t fit the picture of who the Pharisees were expecting.
John the Baptist served an important purpose, but he didn’t claim any status for himself.
The same goes for us. While this season is spent in preparation of families, decorating, gifts, stresses,pandemic and so much more.
Remember:
Stop
Slow Down
See what’s around you.
Understand that this season of preparation is ultimately not preparing us but using us to help prepare the world for Jesus.
We know that by Jesus we will all see the truth.
Sin leads to Repentance.
Anticipation leads to Preparation.
Fear leads to Freedom.