Turn Around

We read in today's Gospel lesson (Matt. 3.1-12) of John the Baptist's proclamation.  He called on his contemporaries, and through Scripture, on you and me to repent so that we might be prepared for the coming of the Lord.

But what exactly does it mean to repent?  The answer can be found in the text, where we see that the Greek word for repentance is metenoia, literally "to turn around."  Thus, when we repent, we head in a new direction, away from sin and alienation and toward God's love, healing, and reconciliation.

So, don't waste any time -- turn around.  It's Advent!

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