John the Baptist has always fascinated me. I would love to have seen this wild, camel hair wearing, locust eating man for myself. The man who in one moment beheld all three Persons of the trinity; the man who famously stated that he must decrease and Christ must increase. The man who fearlessly confronted Herod’s sin, who died tragically, rather than gloriously. Truly, he must have been something to behold.
But if one thing can be said about John, it’s that he knew his place. He knew his entire purpose in life was to point to the Messiah- to proclaim him loudly and unapologetically. The prophet Malachi had prophesied about John the Baptist and described him as a prophet who would come in the spirit and power of Elijah. Though John knew he was the fulfillment of this prophecy, he described himself as a man unworthy to untie the sandal straps of Christ; that he was the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord” (John 1:23). This great prophet’s entire ministry was centered on one bold and clear message: Repent for the Kingdom of God is near. As the angel had foretold, John would indeed “make ready for the Lord a people prepared” (Luke 1:17).
How the anticipation must have hung in the air! The Jewish people were steeped in the prophecies. Knowing the words of Daniel, they lived in expectation of the Messiah’s arrival. And knowing the words of Malachi, they embraced the message of the wild prophet in the wilderness. It’s no wonder so many came from all directions to be baptized by John! They were preparing for the anointed One, the chosen One of God, who would save and redeem them. It was a time characterized by curious minds and expectant hearts.
Now, more than 2000 years removed from that point in history, we know the identity of the Redeemer of Israel- Jesus of Nazareth, God the Son Incarnate. It’s his birth we celebrate this Christmas season, the One whom Israel had waited for so long. And yet, I can’t help but wonder: Do we, the Lord’s people, still live with anticipation? Are we a people prepared? And not just to celebrate his birth now- but prepared for his return?
For some, this Advent season has been felt intensely as hearts and minds have meditated on the truths of the Messiah’s arrival. For others, the story of Christ’s birth has perhaps grown stale and familiar. Or, maybe grief felt during this holiday season has made living in the joy of the Savior’s birth difficult.
And still, regardless of where we fall on this spectrum, the reality that Jesus came into the world to save sinners is cause for worship and praise. Even more, it is the ultimate cause for us to live with expectant hearts that unceasingly prepare Him room. For we are a people saved by the Lord, living not only in light of what He has done, but in light of what He will do. And what He will do is fulfill the better promises of the New Covenant in Christ! He will complete the good work began in us (Philippians 1:6); renew all things in heaven and earth (Revelation 21:5); and physically resurrect His people, once again making the dwelling place of God with man (2 Corinthians 4:14, Revelation 21:3).
Without a doubt, we are a people saved and a people with a glorious future! May we live in anticipation of all Christ will accomplish in our hearts as we expectantly await his blessed return. May we live as a people prepared, this season and always.
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