Sunday, December 5, 2010 Second Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 5, Second Sunday of Advent    

Matthew 3:1-12   http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=158545862

Refined

John the Baptist baptized people so that they would give up their sins, but he points to an even more powerful next step. John the Baptist calls us to repent and proclaims that "one even more powerful than I is coming." Jesus the Christ will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. This baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire will separate the wheat from the chaff in our lives, burning away our impurities, refining who we are and how we live. 

On this Second Sunday of Advent, I invite you to give away something to God. Give away, give up, whatever it is that is keeping you from God. If you have a sense of what that is, (fear, control, anger, a habit or addiction, etc...) we need say no more. If you don’t, just open your arms and invite God to show you. O come, O come, Emmanuel!

Advent Blessings.

Rich

This Christmas, give the gift that only you can give,
                                  ...give yourself this Christmas!  (Peter Mayer)