Are you ready for Christmas?
Decorations and Christmas tree
Cards posted
Presents bought and wrapped
Food and drink ordered – almost
We spend lots of time, effort and money getting all these things ready for the great feast, but is there more that we could do to make this a time of joy and peace and good will for all people and indeed the Earth?
John the Baptist is a key figure in the Church’s readings during Advent.
He is like one of the prophets of the Old Testament, calling upon the people to change their lives and live in accordance with the will of God.
John is a forerunner for Jesus Christ, preparing the way for the Messiah who will inaugurate God’s kingdom of justice and peace for the whole world.
John calls the people to “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand” and when the they ask him what they should do, they are told to give to those who have nothing and to be content with what they have.
What would John the Baptist say to us today?
Perhaps his message would be similar and call us to help the poor and many in Wokingham have already prepared for Christmas by supporting the Wokingham foodbank and other charities with generous donations of food and money.
Perhaps, also in our world threatened by climate change and environmental damage, John the Baptist would call us to be mindful of our lifestyles and do what we can to lessen our detrimental impact on God’s Creation.
Sue Cooper is a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
