Pointing to Christ

Opening

Let's begin with a moment of silence, reminding ourselves that God's loving presence can be found wherever we happen to be.

Quote

“Where there is no fear, in like manner there is no amendment; where there is no amendment, repentance is of necessity vain, for it lacks the fruit for which God sowed it; that is, man’s salvation.” -Tertullian

Reflection

Have you ever looked at an ancient icon or historic Christian painting and struggled to tell what was happening? If so, you’re in good company! While appreciating the beauty and reverence of these timeless works, the modern viewer is often left in the dark, uncertain of who and what is depicted and, by extension, how to engage properly and appreciate such artwork. However, one figure can always be easily identified: John the Baptist. How? You may ask. By his finger.

Though commonly remembered for his unique diet and dramatic dress, John the Baptist’s finger is in many ways his most defining feature, for with it, he fulfills his primary role in the story of salvation. John points us to Christ, showing us where to go when we are disoriented. He helps us look afresh to Christ when we are confused and cannot see a way forward. In short, he reminds us, often with great passion and urgency, where our focus should be.

In this second week of Advent, we focus on preparation and repentance. As Isaiah 40:3 reminds us, “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” In the busyness of this holiday season, your focus is likely scattered and pulled in a dozen different directions. Yet amid this noise, each year, Christians are invited to again tune their hearts to the ancient words of the prophet who proclaimed “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4). Our Lord is coming. May he find us ready and waiting.

Prayer

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, 1979)

Reflective Practice

It’s remarkably easy to allow our passions and desires to pull us in multiple directions. To help guard against this, we invite you to consider incorporating the timeless discipline of fasting into your rhythm of life this week.

More specifically, in our perpetually distracted age, consider fasting from things in your life that contribute to the “noise” in our lives. What’s one thing you can take a break from this week? A TV show, car ride music, or a podcast?

Be creative, and keep this truth close to your heart: when we fast, we say “no” so we can say “yes” to something better!

Closing

If you would like to dive deeper and haven't yet done so, make sure you explore the Scripture passages for today's devotional. Remember that God's written word is often the place where his love shines most directly into our hearts and minds.

Go in peace, and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.