John the Baptizer had a very simple message: “Repent, or the kingdom of Heaven has come near” (Mt 3:2). John employed his prophetic gift to announce a new king and kingdom. He called men and women to turn from sin and trust God for salvation. He challenged them to turn from dead works and religion unto the living God who sent His own son Jesus into the world.

How many of you have ever gone the wrong way on a one-way street? I remember a few years ago we had just returned from living and working South Africa. There we drove on the opposite side of the car and the road than in the USA. Having lived there for more than a decade, I was somewhat unaccustomed to American driving. It’s usually not that bad to make the switch. Something that really helps though is having oncoming traffic. If there is other traffic on the road you pretty much are forced to drive on the correct side

How many of you have ever thought your child was lost? Maybe you were in a store looking for some needed item. While browsing the shelves looking for the best deal you suddenly realize your child is not around. Your head swivels left. Then right. You crouch down to see if that little one is playing hide and seek under the clothing rack. He or she is nowhere in sight. Panic! Fear! Dread! Your adrenaline rushes and you instinctively begin to yell the child’s name. You begin going from aisle to aisle looking up and down while continuing to call their name. Can anyone relate to what I am saying? Well, imagine that child is Jesus – the Son of God. Would you still panic? Would you still be afraid?

I love to sing! That doesn’t imply that I am a good singer – just love to belt out a tune or two. Luke must have liked singing as well. Not that we have a record of him singing personally, but that he records five songs in the first two chapters of his book. We hear songs from angels, and Mary. We also hear Elizabeth and Zacharias sing songs of thanksgiving and praise to God for Jesus.

If my calculations are correct there are, from the date of this blog post, 62 days until Christmas! So, since Christmas is so close let’s look at that part of Luke usually reserved for a “Christmas message.” From this story we will learn that pleasing God isn’t about lists of rules to follow, but a relationship of trust.

Do you ever sing in the shower? Come on now – admit it. Some of you belt out a tune between soaps and shampoo. You imagine you’re on the stage at Madison Square Gardens and you let it out. You figure why not – no one is listening except me. I am singing for an audience of one.