St. Paul Lutheran Church – Borchers

The Message from John the Baptist is consistently one of Repentance. John calls us to repent and prepare the way for

the Lord. The texts for this day remind us that the preparing for the promised one begins on our knees—with prayer and

confession. How are you preparing for the coming of Jesus?

In Advent so far, we have heard that Jesus is returning and that returning should begin with repentance. Today the lessons

are about responding. The lessons call us to be about mission, to be vigilant with a life that avoids evil and is directed

by prayer, and finally seeking out who this messiah is. People of faith respond to Jesus’ love by seeking out

those in need as well as seeking out the person of Jesus

In the text for today, we hear of the angel Gabriel visiting Mary and announcing to her God’s plan for her in His plan to

reconcile the world to Himself. Mary is puzzled about how this could be true. God tells her that it is the Holy Spirit

who will come upon you and this child that will be born to her will be most holy. Mary gives a confession of faith with

her words, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to you word.’

We hear the familiar story of Jesus’ birth. The question for us today is do we make room for Jesus in our lives? We hear

of how Mary and Joseph come to Bethlehem and find no room for them in the town. Thus, Jesus is born in the stable out

back. Do we sometimes get too busy, thus pushing Jesus out? Or do we make room for Jesus and receive him into our

hearts?