The Gospel for the Second Sunday in Advent is from Luke 3:1-6, the introduction to the ministry of John the Baptist. John warned the people of first-century Palestine to get ready for the coming of the Lord. He did not stress his own importance but pointed to the Messiah. As he pointed to the future redemption, John stressed two main themes: repentance and preparation.
During Advent, we do anticipate the joyful celebration of the Messiah's birth. However, we must not rush the season. Before we can properly appreciate the celebration, we must prepare a way for the Lord to come into our lives. And since we are all fallen and sinful creatures, an essential part of our preparation is repentance. We must turn both from our general corruption and from our particular failings. This is true during Advent and every day of our earthly lives. Only by this awareness can we appreciate the great joy that the birth of the Savior brings. In other words, human beings need to hear the rebuke of the prophets before we can really grasp the good tidings about Jesus Christ.
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