Mom recently quoted this song in her reflection on Thanksgiving, but I couldn’t help but think of it again since one of the Advent readings this week is about John the Baptist:

“In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming,‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ’The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” (Matthew 3:1-3)

So it was John’s voice that originally cried out in the wilderness. His work in the world was to encourage people to prepare for heaven to come down to Earth - just like we are doing during Advent. John tells people that he will baptize them with water, but he knows someone else (Jesus) who can do even more - someone who can baptize them with the holy spirit. He encourages them to pay attention and be ready. He clears a path for Jesus to enter into people’s lives, bringing love and good news.

As we observe Advent this week, let’s add our voice to John’s. Our stillness and attention amidst all of the holiday fun can speak volumes. “Something important is happening!” it will say. “This is worth paying attention to. Jesus is coming to our world!”