The days of 2007 quickly are running out.  How has it been for you?  Remember way back on New Year’s Day when you had your list of resolutions, and a wide-open calendar ahead of you?  So many possibilities existed, and there was time for them all. 

Maybe as you get ready to hang that 2008 calendar there still is some unfinished business rolling over, and some of your resolutions for the upcoming year are sounding a little familiar.

In our Advent readings, John the Baptist minced no words with the folks within earshot.  He told them, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is coming near.”  And when some of the temple leaders wandered out to hear him, John focused some sharp sentiments on them:  “You brood of vipers!” (Matthew 3)

John the Baptist was looking for transformation in the lives of God’s people.  Interestingly enough, the transformation was to happen prior to the appearance of Jesus, the one toward whom John was pointing.  He didn’t say to the people, “Boy, are things going to change when Jesus shows up.  He’ll straighten you out!”  Rather, he called on the people to get themselves and their act together before then. 

In other words, “Be ready for the one who is coming.”

John was very direct in his proclamation.  He was “the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”

Sometimes it seems we look to Jesus to fix things in our lives, to bail us out of the messes we ourselves make with our poor choices, knee-jerk reactions, or accommodations to cultural pressures.  John is telling us to take another approach.

He is saying, “Re-order your priorities.  Overhaul your thinking.  Stop wasting your time on foolish and counterproductive behaviors.”  Remember, he was talking to God’s people. 

John wanted God’s people to be ready to embrace the blessing they were about to receive.  Jesus was going to show up.  The people needed to clear the decks so there would be room for him in their lives.