During this second week of Advent, we look to John the Baptist.
I’ve always thought he was such an interesting figure. Not quite an Old Testament prophet. Not quite a New Testament apostle. He’s a very in-between man, isn’t he?
He’s the forerunner, the voice in the wilderness, the first candle in the darkness…
That’s a lonely place.
During these dark and cold days, loneliness can easily be a feeling to surface. Like most unpleasant emotions, we like to abandon loneliness by any means possible, but what if that emotion has something to teach us?
Could John have been the first to “get it” about God’s plan and coming Messiah unless he was that lonely figure at the crossroads of history?
I don’t know, but I do think it’s worth pondering.
Also, as we look toward Sunday and the week beyond, maybe this prayer practice might help to put one in mind of John the Baptist…and awaken hope…