Text: Luke 3:218

Topic: How John the Baptist's message can better prepare us for Christmas.

Introduction:

• We all need a sobering experience to prepare for Christmas.

Illustration: You're driving down the road so lost in thought that it takes a while for you to realize a highway patrol car is behind you, lights flashing. Your mind snaps back to the present; to your relief, the patrolman zooms by you in the left lane. You've had a sobering experience.

• Likewise, we need to snap to attention to "see the salvation of God."

During Advent, we ask the question: What should we do to get ready?

• John the Baptist used harsh language to say, "Wake up!" and get ready for the Lord. Some took him seriously and asked, "What should we do?"
• We should be asking the same question during Advent.
• Luke is a believer in preparation; that's why he spends 2 1/2 chapters before he gets into Christ's ministry.

Advent moves us from to humble, outward expectation.

• We need to realize that we've been a million miles away from God in our lives.

Illustration: A pastor officiating at a funeral agrees to lead the procession. On the way, he forgets where he's going and decides to shop at Kmart. Looking for parking, he glances in the rearview mirror—and remembers.

• Israel had taken their eyes off God, and were preoccupied with themselves.
• We can't skip to Jesus without John; we can't skip to Christmas without humility.

False shame cripples and condemns; healthy shame prepares us to receive Jesus.

• God's truth brings a shame that heals, that sobers, that recognizes a wrong direction.
• It's a shame that caused John to say, "One is coming who is much greater than I."
• None of us are worthy to meet the love that comes to us from God in Jesus, and that is the only way we can receive him: completely sobered, humbled.

Conclusion:

• The genuineness of your readiness is seen in the genuineness of your soberness.
• The genuineness of your soberness is seen in your behaviors, in your fruit.

Illustration: Graves tells the story of a woman offended by a man helping himself to her cookies in the airport—until she realized they belonged to him.

• Humility and generosity are the order of Christmas.