This week’s scriptures continue to help us prepare the way to Christmas. As I looked over each of these scriptures, it was interesting to see the themes of justice — when the Messiah comes there will be justice. Another theme that stuck out was taking care of the poor and the hungry and the down and out. The older I get the more I realize that this is the church’s job — it is part of the Kingdom building that Christ modeled for His bride.

These themes are echoed by Mary in the Magnifcat — The coming Lord will be interested in justice — he will also be interested in mercy. Mary prophesies in her song about filling the hungry with good things and sending away the rich. Those who can provide for themselves have no need of God. While those who are hungry and poor need something to rely on — and maybe, just maybe — they’re to rely on us — the bride of Christ — the hands and feet of Jesus.

John the Baptist rakes the Jewish leaders over the coals in Matthew, calling them a brood of vipers. He tells them to prove by the way they live that they have repented. John tells of the coming judgement and that those who have relied on themselves are going to be in danger. John’s message was to repent because Messiah was coming — that’s a great message even for today. What is our message? Yes, Christ is coming as a baby, but He’s coming again for his bridge — the church. Are we preparing the Kingdom for his return?