17-Dec-23 (John 1:6-8)

The people who went out to see John the Baptist were looking for Elijah, returned from the dead to bring the Good News that God was sending God's redeemer into the world. John knew he wasn't Elijah, but he stepped up and shared the Good News with them.
Sometimes, in the life of the Church, people are looking for some great leader, maybe like the ones we had some time ago that we remember fondly. But we shouldn't be waiting for someone else. Carrying the Good News of God's love into the world, helping those in need, preparing us and others to live as Jesus taught us is a responsibility that God has given to all of us.
Maybe we can stand up in front of others and give them a word that causes them to turn to God, but we can help, every one of us, with our own talents, our own time, and our own financial resources to support the work of the Church.
Let's think about that as we take up our offering for today.

Prayer:

Please join me in prayer.
God, who has forgiven us and welcomed us into abundant life, we pray for these gifts that we've received. Use them to share your love in the world, both near to us and far away. Use them to meet the needs of others. Use them to teach us how to be more like you.
We pray in the name of Jesus your son. AMEN.