3 Advent

A challenge for me this Sunday is to hear the Spirit through words I don't much like (brood of vipers!). The hymn text below is one way of listening. Others?

Luke 3:7-18

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."

I Baptize Thee, William H Johnson

And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?" In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise." Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you." Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages."

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

Meditation for Luke 3.7-18, Suggested Tune: Franconia

Do what you know to do

today and everyday,

and know that One is coming soon

to clarify the way.

Share gladly what you have

with those who live with less,

and know that One is coming soon

who blesses graciousness.

Let justice be the star

that steers you through the night,

and know that One is coming soon

who prizes what is right.

Sustain your heart’s deep fire

through dull and lightless days,

for One works even now through you

to set the world ablaze.