What are we preparing for?
Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent.
Advent 2 focuses on preparation (sound familiar?).
I sense a moment of uncomfortable redirection. What’s new about this preparation? After all, Christmas is only three weeks away — there is so much to do! Family is coming, trees are being decorated while gifts are wrapped in glitter to reflect the lights around them.
It is all about preparation now!
Yet John the Baptist, in his rough and blunt manner, meets us today — this was and is his cry to all who can hear: “Prepare the way.”
This preparation is of a different sort. We are to roll up our sleeves and secure all that might blow away at the arrival of God-among-us. This preparation has to do with making ready a place for people to meet this God and know the wonder of God’s kingdom here and now.
We should not be surprised — this redirection comes at just the right time. Lest we forget our own steps on this sacred journey, John welcomes us with a clear reminder.
Photo: French Broad River