The Nativity of John the Baptist C 2007

Did you get the message?

One mid morning this spring, it was Holy Week in fact, I called my parents down in Southern Minnesota to let them know that a big snow storm was on the way, and if they wanted to make it here by Easter they should hit the road before the storm hit the area. A few minutes later my dad called. I asked why they weren’t home.

He answered, “Because we’re on our way right now.”

I asked, “Where are you?” expecting that they were just leaving Owatonna, their home town.

He said, “Oh, we’re about an hour or so past Superior.”

I asked if he got my message. He told me no and explained that they spent the past night in Duluth. We were losing cell phone reception so I told him I’d see them soon. I went back to making preparations for Holy Week.

A few minutes later, Kateri stopped by the office. I told her my parents were on the way. Not at all surprised she asked when they expected to arrive. I told her within the hour. She shot up out of her seat and ran out the back door of the Parish House. Just then, my parents were walking down the narrow snow shoveled path. Not expecting their presence or speedy arrival, Kateri screamed—partly out of shock and partly out of exasperation because she had not had time to prepare for their arrival. She didn’t get the message in time for it to be of any help.

It is always nice to know in advance about the arrival of an important visitor, so that we can prepare. John the Baptist’s mission in life was to prepare the way for the Messiah—for God’s anointed one. John gave his life preaching and teaching about a baptism of repentance. John gave his life for the sake of God’s people—telling them to turn away from sin and death and embrace righteousness and life.

Today we celebrate the nativity of John the Baptist who heralded a new relationship with God. God was coming and was going to reveal a new way… a new path… a new life…. John represented the old way, but pointed people to the new way. John represents the old way—God’s special revelation through the Law and Prophets, but points to the new way of life in Jesus Christ. In John we see the old way in which God interacted with his people. God sent prophets like Moses, Elijah, and John.

Prophets are intermediaries. They act on behalf of God saying, “Thus says the Lord.” Usually their message was the Law—lists of thou shalt not’s, and warnings that because the people have turned away from God punishment will be incurred. That is the same kind of message that John preached. He preached repentance, but he also preached something else…. “One is coming whose sandals I am not worthy to tie…one is coming who is greater than me…if you think this baptism of repentance is impressive, just you wait… and prepare ye the way.

It is no mistake that John the Baptist is the only saint whose nativity we celebrate. Usually we commemorate the day on which martyrs were killed and not the day on which they were born. We celebrate his birth because his life was the bridge from the old way into the new way. John the Baptist stands as a bridge between the old and new covenants. With his birth the old covenant comes to its fulfillment and God’s promises are shown to be kept.

John was the first to bring the message of the immanent arrival of the Messiah. He’s not coming in a few years or months, but He’s already here. And by the way, don’t be caught off guard when he comes walking down the narrow path to your door, but prepare the way. Behold the advent of a new covenant with our God. “You think seeing your in-laws coming down the path unannounced was frightening…try having your savior arrive unannounced.

Today we, with John’s father Zachariah, praise and bless God for the arrival of a messenger who brings the good news of Christ’s coming. Today we celebrate the birthday of John the Baptist, but included in that celebration is an urgent plea…a plea to prepare the way.

Kateri and I are in the process of preparing the way for a new arrival, an unexpected visitor to our lives, and that will mean some pretty drastic changes in how we live. Emblematic of these changes are diaper bags, baby bottles, and car seats. The same is true of our lives of faith. When Christ enters your life some pretty drastic changes occur. When the way is prepared for Christ to come into your life, you will never have it perfect. Your preparations will always be unfinished. The beds may not be made, the laundry may not be done, there may not be a ham or turkey roasting in the oven…. But the things that are necessary, the things that are emblematic of His arrival, will be there.

The things that are necessary for his arrival have been poured out four you in ample measure…the things necessary to receive this guest are love, mercy, peace, and forgiveness. The sidewalk may not be shoveled or swept, but the heart of the believer is open to receive her Lord.

He is coming…He’ll be here soon…In fact, He’s already been here.

That’s the message, got it?—good.

Thanks Sherri, Kateri, Gale, Emmaleigh, Chelsey, Maria, Jim W., Jane, Jim S., Virginia, Jean, for all your work at Norrie Park. We had a fun time building this fence, sealing a boardwalk, and putting gravel and wood chips down on the trail. What a bunch of good workers!