The Second Sunday in advent--12/7/25

 

Light two candles as a sign of anticipation for the Messiah. This week, we reflect on the story of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus's arrival. When I picture John the Baptist, I imagine a man with long hair and an untamed beard, which might contrast with more conservative perceptions. Many people also believe that John was regarded as being nearly on the same level as Jesus.  However, I do not.

Instead, I see John as a humble servant whose mission was to point others toward Christ, not to draw attention to himself. His life was marked by simplicity and unwavering dedication to his calling, reminding us of the importance of humility and purpose during this season of waiting. Individuals sometimes strive to present themselves differently, occasionally displaying insecurity regarding their beliefs. This was notably illustrated by Kim Davis, whose actions brought significant attention across the United States.  Even though she claimed to be a Christian, she often drew attention to herself while judging others, which is a violation of the first commandment. The core message of this commandment emphasizes loving God wholeheartedly and refraining from placing oneself or personal judgments above others, highlighting the importance of humility and compassion. 

According to Martin Luther, elevating John the Baptist or any other figure to the same level as Jesus would be a violation of the First Commandment. Luther emphasized that only God deserves such reverence and devotion, and placing anyone or anything alongside God diminishes His unique divinity and authority.

John said there is another of which I am unworthy to unbuckle his sandals.  He is in fact correct.  This perspective invites us to examine our own lives and consider whether we sometimes place undue emphasis on human leaders or traditions, rather than focusing solely on God's guidance. By reflecting on John the Baptist's example, we can be reminded to cultivate humility and redirect our admiration and loyalty toward God and God alone.

In conclusion, the story of John the Baptist serves as a powerful reminder of the virtues of humility, purpose, and unwavering faith. As we continue our journey through this season of anticipation, may we strive to follow John's example by directing our focus away from ourselves and toward God. Let us embrace the call to love, serve, and honor God above all else, allowing His guidance to shape our actions and relationships with others.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

America First Must Mean Human Rights First

Image
    As families across the United States prepare to gather for Christmas — a season defined by compassion, dignity, and authenticity — lawmakers in Washington are advancing legislation that undermines those very values. This week, the House of Representatives passed H.R.3492, the so‑called Protect Children’s Innocence Act . Despite its name, the bill is nothing more than a veiled attempt to strip away rights from transgender youth and their families. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R‑GA), one of the bill’s most vocal supporters, claims to champion children. Yet her record tells a different story. If she truly cared about children, she would have fought against the dismantling of the Department of Education, which left students with disabilities without critical services and support. She would be working to restore cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), lifelines for millions of families. Instead, she has chosen to make life harder...
Read more

Hope at 40

Image
  12/1/2025 Sunday was my 40 th birthday.  It just so happened to be the First Sunday in Advent.  The theme of Hope is present today as we wait and prepare for the coming of the Messiah.  As I reflect on the last ten years of my life, I find that I am less hopeful than I was in my thirties or even in my twenties. I am still in the same apartment but I am continuing to try to spread joy and happiness as well as the truth.  Working on my internet presence has been more of a priority.   I find that I have been lacking in my blogging. As I enter this next chapter of my life, I hope I am just as healthy as I have been.  It is my hope to remain just as healthy as ever.  It is also my hope that I can still grow and explore both myself and the world.  I hope that equality is able to spread throughout the land because, without hope, we are only chasing false gods that would only lead to our destruction.     Looking forward, I asp...
Read more

Posted in loving memory

Image
  Posted in loving memory Passed December 26, 2025 I’ve been trying to find the right words for Bob Kafka — my movement grandfather, my family by choice, and one of the fiercest organizers I’ve ever known. It still feels unreal to write about him in the past tense. Bob wasn’t the kind of person you imagined the world without. He was too loud, too stubborn, too full of life and purpose. But here we are, holding the grief and the gratitude together. I met Bob through ADAPT, long before I understood what it meant to inherit a movement. He and my dad were outside on break during an organizing training when a woman walked by, saw them sitting together in their wheelchairs, and said, “Isn’t that cute, a father and son hanging out.” My dad fired back, “Woman, he’s not my dad!” But the universe had already decided otherwise. At the next action, my brothers and I claimed him. “Yo Grandpa — you missed X birthdays and Christmases. Fork over the cash!” He didn’t give us a dime, but h...
Read more