Readings: Luke 1:68-79; Malachi 4:1-6; Luke 9:1-6

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:76-79, NRSV

Forgiveness, mercy, light in the darkness, and guidance – these are the signs and actions that prepare for God’s coming. John the baptizer was born and raised for this work. Condemnation, animosity, blindness, and misdirection – these are the signs and actions that destroy the spirit and remove all hope. John shouted out against these.

The times have changed since then, but darkness is still darkness and the signs of God’s coming are still the same.

And you, child, are born for this work, too: forgiveness, mercy, light in the darkness, and guidance. You, me, and everyone else.