Rochester, MN UCC - "Baptized in Sprit and Fire" - Matthew 3:1-12

Happy Second week of Advent!  In worship this week we will be hearing John the Baptist’s call to repentance as he prepares for the coming of Christ. John the baptizer, the New Testament’s ascetic wilderness dwelling prophet, was all about preparation for the coming of God.  He knew that people were wrapped up in the brokenness of the world and invited them to repent so that they would be open to the incredible love that Jesus was about to unleash among them.  People came in large numbers and were baptized; he opened their eyes so that they could be a part of what was coming.

This work is still ours and this season we are invited again into the incredible flowing of the Holy that enables us to let go of those habits, practices, attitudes, and beliefs that harden out hearts and impeded our ability to recognize the love of God all around us.

I invite you to look at these coming weeks as an opportunity to repent.  Not a repentance of shame or self-degradation, but of joyful self-sacrifice to that which God is doing. What is weighing you down your soul? What idols do you need to set aside?  What thoughts and beliefs interfere with your ability to love your neighbor and yourself?  I pray that our worship this week would inspire us to open our hearts more fully to God’s overwhelming, world upending love.

Peace, Pastor Shannon Smith