Second Sunday in Advent – John and Jesus Different Baptisms

Summary

As we approach the new year we think about resolutions.  A decision to do or not do something. But they are more than this, they are promises or vows about something you seriously want to change and then you work as hard as possible to follow them.

When John the Baptist calls for the people to repent of their ways, he is calling for them to make a decision, to vow, to literally “turn around” from the way that they are acting. The is what repent means , “to turn around”.  In the gospel of Luke, it tells us that different people, from tax collectors to soldiers asked John how to repent of their sinful ways, and he told them how to change. Then he had them come into the river Jordan to be washed, to be baptised as a sign of their repentance.

John’s Baptism is different from the one coming after him. A physical act, a ritual washing to mark a change.  John knew this and he said, I baptise with water, but the one who comes after me baptises with the spirit.

Jesus´ baptism is different for it does not simply denote change, but rather it is the change itself. Jesus promises to be present in the words and the water of his baptism. In his baptism Jesus promises to fill us with his Spirit, and to transform us.  Jesus transforms us, and gives us new life.

Does this mean we do not need to repent of our sins or change our ways.  We need to think about our actions and words because we are confronted with our own sin and others. We need to be able to ask for and give forgiveness.

Still need to resolve to decide and promise to try and change our ways and try and act in new ways, in the ways that God has created us to be. The fruits of the spirit are  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, self control, gentleness, generosity,faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

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