Dear Christian friends:

There are only ten days left before Christmas. Again this year we hear that old and wonderful story of the birth of Jesus. We receive Christmas cards which tell that story in beautiful art, poetry and song. On radio and TV we hear all of the beautiful Christmas hymns.

During the Christmas Season people seem to be better, happier and kinder. It appears that God's kingdom is really here, that the Spirit of Jesus is ruling in people's heart, changing them, from sadness to gladness and from greed to giving and loving kindness.

I'm sure you want to become a better, happier person. But if God is to change us we must prepare for Christmas. In our text we see how God sent John the Baptizer to prepare the people for Jesus' Kingdom over 2,000 years ago. John did a good job. What He said to them will help us today. Indeed, the Kingdom of heaven is here. God with all grace and love waits to comfort us and rule in us.

What should we do about it? John answers "Repent." Jesus Himself also said, "Except ye repent ye shall all perish." (Luke 13:3) Repent means to change our mind and heart, to change from greed and selfishness and live for God.

That's not easy. If we tell someone they are bad, or wrong or sinning, they always become angry and displeased and argue. They make many beautiful excuses. Even if we clearly show a man his sin, he often remains stubborn and refuses to change.

We can't change anyone by arguing with him. And nobody can change himself, by his own decision. Only God's Spirit can change a man. Jeremiah showed that when He prayed to God, "Turn, Thou me, and I shall be turned." (Jeremiah 31:18)

So we see here in our text that God's Spirit touched the hearts of many people when John preached to them. John wore plain clothes of camel's hair and a leather belt and ate simple food, wild honey. His clothes and food agreed with his preaching. H wanted to impress the people that to crave only food and clothes and rich earthly things is sin and the way to hell. We read that many were sorry. They confessed their sins, and John baptized them in the Jordan river.

Some Jews came and also wanted John to baptize them. They acted like they were sorry and repentant, but in their heart they were not really. So John scolded them terribly, "Brood of snakes etc." (read it)

John meant to tell them to be really sorry in their heart and prove it by changing also their life: "Him that has two coats, give to him that has none."

From the Gospel lesson we read how Jesus talked of His kingdom: "The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the poor have the Gospel preached unto them." That is the work of Jesus' Kingdom. That is our work too if we really believe in Jesus and are changed people.

As we near Christmas and listen to people talk and see what they are doing and planning for Christmas we see that all of us need to change our hearts, our ideas and our plans. People talk and plan too much about food and parties and gifts. How many will give a Christmas gift to the poor and needy?

Christmas is Jesus' birthday, we should praise and honor Him because He came from heaven above to save us. What are your plans for Christmas Eve? And what will you do on Christmas Day?

When we think about our desires, our plans our gift lists for Christmas we should feel ashamed. We should say like the bad son said when he woke up and changed: "Father, I have sinned against You, ... I am no more worthy to be your son."

If you confess that, thank God. His Spirit has come to you and changed your heart because only a believer can say that. You are very glad about Jesus. You know He was born on Christmas to save you from your sins.

I pray that God's Spirit will come to all of us today and help us to REPENT, because His Kingdom is now here, perfectly and wonderfully.

Amen.