We are still traveling “on the road to Bethlehem” this third Sunday of Advent. But textually we are “wandering in the wilderness.” This week’s gospel text that accompanies us on our journey is focused on John The Baptist as proclaimer and preparer for the coming Messiah. Luke’s text tells us much less about exactly HOW John baptized, and much more about WHY John baptized and what participating in this ritual meant for those who were baptized.

The thrust of John’s message is double-edged. He proclaims both impending judgment and the need for the people to take action in the face of that judgment. For John to be “ready” is to “repent.” Although the NRSV does not translate it, vs. 7 actually opens with “Therefore,” connecting it closely to the preceding Isaiah quote in vs.6. It is because th…