Luke 3:1-6

“[John] went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of Isaiah the prophet:  "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord... and all people will see God's salvation.'""Luke 3:3-4a, 6

Fatherhood has brought tremendous joy while at the same time stretching me in new ways thanks to less sleep and new responsibilities. Sometimes I can live in the tension of finding utter delight in my son and who God made him to be and also discouragement at how I might be prone to sin. Whether it's not loving my wife as I should, being quick to anger, or slipping into temptation, my sinful nature can easily raise its ugly head.

Advent season is a reminder that I can rejoice in Jesus' coming and his gift of forgiveness and salvation. I can point others to God, the only one who can ultimately satisfy, while at the same time I am being sanctified.

As a late, great pastor was fond of saying, "We are more sinful and flawed than we ever dared believe, yet more loved and accepted in Jesus than we ever dared hope."  And, as Lorenna's friend Rachel Gilson says, "If dependence [on God] is the goal then weakness is an asset."  We can rejoice in God's love for us and our dependence on Him.