AdventSample

Day 13: The Axe at the Root

Reflection:

Advent is not cozy. John's message is fire and cleansing judgment. Perhaps it is a hard truth, but Advent reminds us that we are being prepared for the truth—not sentimentality. This is because the root is where life draws its nourishment. If the root is diseased, then all that grows from it will be corrupt.

To ask, “what must be burned away?” is not to choose from a few small branches that simply inconvenience us. It is to allow God’s judgement to cut down the tree that will not bear His fruit. The Gospel is not merely self-improvement; it is the holy fire that consumes our wicked ways.

Yet, this truth is the best thing we could ever ask for! Even though all of us fall short of the glory of God, He loves us enough to save us from our sins; and the good news is that the moment we recognize any sin in our lives, we are told that it must equally be recognized as forgiven.

Meditation:

What in your life needs to be pruned or burned away?