And the crowds asked him,
“What then should we do?”
—Luke 3.10
John’s answer is: do justice.
The proper preparation for the coming of Christ
is not to re-arrange the world around us
but to allow ourselves to be changed.
Into the world as it is, between the cracks
of the fortresses of our hearts and habits,
comes the Tender One, who invites us
to be tender with one another.
It’s continual transformation.
We open ourselves to the miraculous incursion
of grace that sifts our wheat from our chaff,
our love from our fear.
Not in believing, but in sharing,
our selfishness is winnowed away from our courage,
and burned in the blessed, unquenchable fire of grace,
and the light of the fire guides us in hope and joy.
“I baptize you with water;
but one who is coming will baptize you
with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Deep Blessings,
Pastor Steve
__________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light www.unfoldinglight.net
Listen to the audio recording.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:22 — 1.9MB)