The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” -Luke 3:15-16
We are a society that has everything at our fingertips, instant info on anything we want to know. We can order something online and have it delivered the next day. Are you excited about getting that package? How about the latest news? With a few taps on our cell phones, we can find worldwide news instantly. We don’t like to wait; we need to know now!
If you are a parent, you know what it’s like to wait to meet your child. Do you remember all the thoughts that went through your head when you found out you were expecting? As the days and months go by the anticipation builds and all you can think is, “I can’t wait to meet this child!”
This time of year comes and goes so quickly that we might miss out on the opportunity to be excited about what it’s all about—God stepping down into our world to save us and be with us. When the people asked John if he was the Messiah, he made it clear that the true Messiah was coming and he was not even worthy to untie His sandals.
God took great pains to draw us closer to Him in the birth, life, and death of His son, Jesus. He loves us so much and is eagerly waiting to spend time with us. The love, renewal, and restoration the people experienced with John the Baptist made them excited as they anticipated meeting the long-awaited Messiah! They were looking for something the world could not offer—hope! Jesus gives us hope through the forgiveness of our sins and by living out the love of our heavenly Father.
Are you excited for this time of year? The Creator of the universe, Who created you, wants to meet with you, and have a relationship with you! How awesome is that?
-Tom Bunt
