Seek simplicity

In this time of year, many of us can easily become maximizers. Does the tree need more ornaments? Did we buy enough presents? Our calendars quickly fill with social events. It’s intentional, then, that the Church presents us with a figure who lives a sort of extreme asceticism. John the Baptist wears a camel hair robe and eats a diet of locusts and wild honey (not exactly the decadent treats we associate with the season!) Ultimately, John the Baptist reminds us that sometimes the best way we can prepare for Christmas is to simplify. What can we clear from our to-do lists to make more room in our hearts for Christ this season?

Answer God’s unique call for your life

More than 400 years before Jesus’ birth, the prophet Malachi wrote that Elijah would return before the day of the Lord (see Mal 3:23). The Gospels make it clear that there’s a connection between this prophecy and John the Baptist. Remember that famous camel hair robe we mentioned earlier (see Mt 3:4; Mk 1:6)? It’s meant to remind us of Elijah, who wore similar garb (see 2 Kings 1:8). Seeing the similarities, John’s followers even ask him, “Are you Elijah?” And he responds, “I am not.” (Jn 1:21) Instead, John says of himself, “I am ‘the voice crying out in the desert, “Make straight the way of the Lord.”’” (Jn 1:23, cf. Is 40:3) While Jesus affirms that John indeed was the one Malachi prophesied about (see Mt 17:10-13), he isn’t a reincarnation of Elijah from the past. John the Baptist fulfills the prophetic call on his life to prepare the way for our Savior in a way that is truly his own. How can we give a truly personal response to the unique call God has placed on our lives?

Embrace repentance

After John’s birth, Zechariah prophesies that his son will be “called a prophet of the Most High,” sent to “go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins.” (Lk 1:76-77) A key part of John’s ministry will be calling people to repentance (see Lk 3:10-14; Mt 3:7-8; Mk 6:18, et al.). The best way we can prepare for Christmas is to acknowledge the ways that we have fallen short of God’s perfect love and to receive the abundant mercy available to us in the sacrament of reconciliation. Does your parish offer an Advent Reconciliation Service? Make plans to attend.

Recognize God’s presence in our midst

John the Baptist had an uncanny ability to recognize the presence of Christ, even from the earliest moments of his life. We read in Luke, chapter 1, that John the Baptist leaped in his mother’s womb upon hearing Mary’s greeting (see v. 44), suggesting that even as an unborn child he recognized the presence of the Lord. Upon seeing Jesus coming toward him, John immediately recognizes him and declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (Jn 1:29) How can we take time to slow down and recognize the presence of Christ in our midst, here and now?

There’s so much more that could be said about John the Baptist; he, perhaps more than any other, points us to Christ and teaches us how to get ready for his coming. Consider taking more time with the Scriptures this Advent, noting what else from his life or his ministry stirs your heart this season.

Read about John the Baptist:

Mt 3:1-17, Mk 1:2-11, Lk 1:5-80, Lk 3:1-22, Jn 1:14-37