Seeker

Why post an image of battered leather sandals to illustrate today's Advent Word 'worthy'? These sandals may be well made but they are not worth much. I've chosen this image because I see a link with the gospel reading used in many churches on this Sunday, Matthew 3: 1 - 12 . It's about John the Baptist who prepared the way for the start of Jesus' ministry and may have worn sandals like these. In the New Revised Standard Version of  Matthew 3: 1 - 12 the word 'worthy' occurs twice in the message John the Baptist gave to the religious leaders who came to him for baptism. He tells them to "bear fruit worthy of repentance". In other words, it's no use saying you want to turn over a new leaf, to turn away from sin and return to God. Genuine repentance produces the good fruit of a changed life. Then he announces that someone more powerful is coming after him. John the Baptist said, "I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will ...

What is your favourite Advent image? What is your least favourite? I was challenged by a sermon last Sunday to spend time looking at one or more of the disturbing images presented in the Bible readings set for the Advent season. My preference is the image of light, the idea of the new day soon to dawn after night ( Romans 13: 12 ) or the lighting of Advent candles. Just looking at pictures selected on this blog to represent Advent,such as the one at the top of my Advent and Christmas page , I seem to go for the warm and light-filled images. Last Sunday's gospel ( Matthew 24: 36 - 44 ) included two disturbing images of the coming of the Lord: a catastrophic flood and a thief breaking into a house at night. Rather than dwelling on such signs of coming judgement at a time known only to God, wouldn't we prefer to concentrate on preparing for the baby wrapped in cloths in the manger? So much more cosy.  Next Sunday's gospel ( Matthew 3: 1 - 12 ) is about as f...