6 A man named John was sent from God. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him everyone would believe in the light. 8 He himself wasn’t the light, but his mission was to testify concerning the light. 19 This is John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 John confessed (he didn’t deny but confessed), “I’m not the Christ.” 21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” John said, “I’m not.” “Are you the prophet?” John answered, “No.” 22 They asked, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 John replied, “I am a voice crying out in the wilderness, Make the Lord’s path straight, just as the prophet Isaiah said.” 24 Those sent by the Pharisees 25 asked, “Why do you baptize if you aren’t the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” 26 John answered, “I baptize with water. Someone greater stands among you, whom you don’t recognize.27 He comes after me, but I’m not worthy to untie his sandal straps.” 28 This encounter took place across the Jordan in Bethany where John was baptizing. (John 1:6-8, 19-28, CEB)
Who are you? And why are you doing what you are doing?
So many people in the world want to know who we are and why we live in hope. When the world is collapsing around us and it seems like everything is going wrong, we still live in hope and not the fear that surrounds us. Why, or better yet, how?
Peace. Which is probably something we are missing now, or at least during Advent I am usually missing it. This year with Covid will be interesting to see if December is as hectic as “normal” years. But peace of know that I am waiting for the baby, that will grow to show us how to live, and be faithful to the plan to go to the cross, die and rise and ascend into the heavens. And because He lives I have peace, and hope.
So who are you? You are a beloved child of God and you do what you do because of peace and hope in Christ.
Never lose this. Peace and hope will always be there!