The work week and the weekend, commuter congestion alternating with lighter traffic, working and sleeping… Life has its rhythms. Long ago the Christian church established special times of remembrance throughout the year, its own rhythm to keep us mindful that we are not subject only to the challenges and problems of the week but also have a heavenly pulse beating within our heart. We are in the world but not of the world.
Cover your ears. Turn away. Today that rhythm of the church has some harsh sounding notes. Today we remember the nativity of John the Baptist. He grew up to preach “You brood of vipers!” to the self-righteous religious crowds who flocked to hear him in the desert. “Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:7-8). He laid on his hearers the necessity of repentance. You’re sinning by trusting your religious opinions and relying on your good works! Stake your life on Jesus. That was John’s message. Still is.
Sin and forgiveness… a rhythm the world doesn’t know. You’re in the world but today John reminds you you’re not of the world.
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