And as John was finishing his work, he said, “What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet.” Acts 13:25
Hope, anticipation, expectation, wandering… these are all Advent themes. They can be the emotions and feelings that occupy our thoughts and minds as we work our way through this incredible season. We sit in darkness searching for the light. We look around us and feel that something better has to come. We ponder in silence what God has in store and then we burst forth in singing, “Joy to the World! The Lord has come!”
This single verse is from Paul’s sermon in Antioch, recorded in the book of Acts, in which he recounts the saving acts of God, the salvation history of God’s work among God’s people. Paul quotes John the Baptist whom he lifted up for his work of preparing the people for the coming of the Christ. Paul shows how John, in making this statement, was pointing his followers and all who would hear his words, to our reason for hope, the fulfillment of our anticipation, the greatest answer for any expectation and the only direction to end our wandering – Jesus, the Christ.
For over two decades I have had the privilege of doing disaster response work and for the last five years, coordinating the Lower Susquehanna Synod Lutheran Disaster Response Network. The themes of Advent ring true in the ears of those recovering from disaster. For many, the only source of hope they see, at times, comes in the form of willing hands to help them rebuild and willing arms to offer a hug of reassurance. I am thankful that I am able to witness God at work in such powerful ways!
God of hope, fill us with your love, hope, mercy and strength that we may share those gifts with everyone around us. Amen.
The Rev. Glenn A. Beard, Jr., is Director of Church Relations & Pastoral Care at Luthercare and Coordinator of the Lower Susquehanna Synod Lutheran Disaster Response Network.
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