Sunday, December 15, 2024

Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.

Luke 3: 12-13

 

Being a parent can add so much joy to someone’s life, though it also brings its challenges. As a mom of a three-year-old, I find both joy and entertainment in the conversations I have with my son. We’ve discussed questions like “How can I reach the clouds?”, “What does God do?”, “Where do the trains sleep at night?”, and “What is a guinea pig?”

 

These are all very legitimate questions that often spark deeper conversations. I usually give him an answer that makes sense in the moment, and I can tell when he’s truly absorbing the information. He becomes still and quiet, listening intently and often uses what he learned at a later time. It’s at those moments where I feel the pressure of being a parent. Am I saying the right thing? Will this affect him later in life? Do I actually know what a guinea pig is?

 

This makes me wonder if John the Baptist in Luke had similar doubts when responding to the people coming to him with questions. He faced various groups, including those from less respected professions, asking how they should demonstrate their repentance. John’s focus on honesty and integrity in what people do shows how he understands and embraces his role as a prophet, listening to God for guidance.

 

My son has learned a lot over three short years and I have learned a lot from him too. One is to be still and quiet as I listen for God’s guidance on difficult questions. We are all called to be prophets in our own way, listening and seeking

understanding of the unknown. While we may not always have the right answers, when we take time to be still and quiet with God, our responses will be filled with love and grace. During this Advent season, let’s take time to be still and quiet with God as we prepare the way for the Lord.

 

Let us pray: God of grace, thank you for guiding us through our challenges and questions. Be with us in this cold season, reminding us of your presence in the stillness and silence. Fill us with childlike joy and curiosity as we await the arrival of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Stacey Burke is Communications and Growing Young Coordinator, Northeastern Penn Synod of the ELCA.