Perspective (Advent 2)

Our readings for Sunday:

• Luke 3:1-6
• Phil 1:6
• Malachi 3:1-4
  

John came "proclaiming a Baptism of repentence for the forgiveness of sins"
I suggested yesterday that to "prepare a way for the Lord" and "make his paths straight" we might

1. Listen to a person who brings an "outside" perspective
   John came from the desert, not asking people to live like he lived, but with a "desert" perspective on the life of the community that he has grown up in.
2. Listening to the outside perspective may bring a slow realisation that change is needed.
3. This may involve confession of a poverty that exists in our lives.
4. Such confession/repentance is not necessarily about guilt, but it's always about health.
5. The moment of decision – the Turning Point could be marked by a symbol (for John it was a Baptism) The symbol may help to make our decision concrete and calls for the support of the community.
6. We then make tentative beginnings in a new direction – our actions are now shaped by a new destination
1. The change in direction is immediate, but it may take some time for others to see a change in your position
2. the purpose is wholeness – not humiliation
3. “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” - Phil 1:6
   

Preparing for the advent of Jesus, Messiah: embodiment of the fullness of God, may bring us to an honest assessment of our lives, which provides a spring-board from which to make some healthy, life-changing and God-honouring decisions…