[EZMONEY]

It is written in Isaiah the prophet:
"I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"... And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins..... And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water,
but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Mark 1: 2,4,7-8

Advent is a time to prepare.

John prepared the people for the coming of the Savior. We,also, by the power of the Holy Spirit coming to us through Word and Sacrament should use the Season of Advent to prepare ourselves and our families for the joy, forgiveness, and peace, that Christ brings us this Christmas.

John the Baptist performed a baptism of repentance, it was a symbolic washing away of sins. Christ came for the salvation of all people. He sent the Holy Spirit to create and sustain faith in Christ and His work in us. Advent is a great time to use God's power to rid ourselves of old hurts, jealousies, injustices, and grudges.

There is a Joy and a Freedom in being washed clean of all the negativity, anger, and resentment that we are so capable of holding onto for months or even years. These things cause discomfort in our lives and the lives and relationships with those involved. Think this season of one or more of these things that you want to resolve with Christ's forgiveness and power.

We cannot on our own let go of our guilt over past transgressions or do away with it. We are incapable of forgiving ourselves without Christ.

We understand, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that we are saved by the person and work of Jesus alone. Because of this, we can prepare our hearts and minds this Christmas by letting go of the injustices, real or perceived, that we may have suffered this year.

God has forgiven us through Christ, He desires that we do the same.

This Advent season, let us repent.

Let us let go of our anger and resentment
and bask in the type of loving, joyous relationships
that God intends His forgiven people to enjoy.

Amen. Come Lord Jesus!

[CountingDown]

Great post Gary! Thanks for sharing it! What a wonderful reminder of the power of celebrating Advent as a time of preparation for the coming of our Lord and Savior!

[Justwant2Bhealthy]

Like this message says, JESUS CHRIST, came for so many reasons; and the gift of this season is FREEDOM from our past mistakes & guilt; from hurts & wounds; from self-loathing and insecurities; from grudges and resentment; and from sadness & anger; then GOD replaces all that with His LOVE, and JOY, and PEACE, and HOPE ... so for me, that is the real miracle of Christmas!

Thanks for posting ...