Mark 1: 4-8 (NRSV)
Read Mark 1: 4-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 4John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Verse 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Verse 6Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. Verse 7He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. Verse 8I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Devotion
On a recent weekend I had an opportunity to worship with three different congregations. In one, Swahili is the language of liturgy and song. In a second, Spanish is the familiar tongue. In the third, English is the language of the day. It was a powerful reminder that the many people who streamed to the Jordan River to be baptized by John were following the quest that still leads people from every tribe and language group to the gifts of grace and life offered to all in Jesus Christ. What do you seek from God this Advent season?
Prayer
Stir up our hearts, O God, and prepare us to receive the gifts of grace and mercy you offer to pilgrims and seekers. Hold in your heart those who seek a truth they cannot yet name. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.