The beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, God’s Son, 2 happened just as it was written about in the prophecy of Isaiah: Look, I am sending my messenger before you. He will prepare your way, 3 a voice shouting in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.” 4 John the Baptist was in the wilderness calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. 5 Everyone in Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to the Jordan River and were being baptized by John as they confessed their sins. 6 John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He announced, “One stronger than I am is coming after me. I’m not even worthy to bend over and loosen the strap of his sandals.8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:1-8, CEB)
I remember first hearing about John the Baptist in Sunday school and having a hard time connecting to him. Now reading this I think about all the people who have acted as John in my life. All of those friends and family that reminded me of Christ. Not all of them have been Christian or Lutheran either, they remind me of Christ through their love and kindness.
I urge you to look for the John’s in your life and think about how they remind you of the coming of Christ every day.