On this second Sunday of Advent, John the Baptist comes on the scene preaching the message of repentance as the key means of preparing for the coming of Christ. If a person had fallen into a manhole and come out covered in soot, and smelled of sewage, “restoration” for her would not mean putting on new clothes over her soiled ones. It also wouldn’t mean taking off the old clothes and putting on clean clothes without bathing. The same is true of the spiritual life.

God’s love for us doesn’t mean he is neutral about our sin. That is, God doesn’t say, “No need to throw away those old clothes (ways). Besides, I like the smell of sewage!” Likewise, God doesn’t say, “No need to actually confess your sins (bathe). Just wear the new clothes I gave you when you dress up on Sunday!” John the Baptist says restoration requires more! We must follow three steps:

Step ONE: Take off your robe of misery, fear and despair. Too many have fallen asleep spiritually; they have become depressed and stifled in fear and hopelessness.
Step TWO: Jump in the waters of repentance to be cleansed of sin! Be fully immersed in the pool of God's mercy as you face your sin head on by confessing them outright!
Step THREE: Put on the cloak of justice and the splendor of God's glory!

Glowing in our newfound forgiveness, we must become heralds of God's justice and mercy to all of those still wallowing in the soot of sin, fear, and despair.