This passage makes me uncomfortable. I like to think that I am a good person. I know the Ten Commandments and do my best to follow them. I believe the faith we profess in the creeds, and I do my best to follow the example of Jesus to love my human brothers and sisters.
However, during Advent, this passage reminds me how I fail. I fall into the trap like many of focusing on shopping, decorating and cooking to prepare for the “perfect” Christmas. I am very much like those vipers of whom John talked. I rely on my Christmas traditions and my Lutheran heritage to show my faith rather than living out the faith of which John was prophesying.
It is easy for us to relegate the care of our brothers and sisters to the government and other agencies. However, John is clearly calling on us to offer physical care to those around us as a sign of our repentance. We must share the love that Jesus gave us so freely by sharing our physical riches, blessings and care. In doing so, we will come to realize how much we are loved by our Saviour, who came to earth to love all.
God of many blessings, open our hearts to share what we have so all can come to know how much you care for them. Amen. —