The Old Testament period was a long and elaborate preparation for the coming of Christ, who is God Incarnate. John the Baptist was a transitional figure between the Old and the New Testaments. He spoke with the language and style of the prophets of old, preparing the way for Jesus, just before Jesus would start his ministry. What is more, the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke depict John the Baptist as Elijah, one of the greatest of the Old Testament prophets, who was prophesied to return before the coming of the Messiah. By connecting John with the role of Elijah, the Gospel writers indicate that the prophecy has been fulfilled and everything is ready for the arrival of the Messiah.
As we see from the Gospel reading for this Sunday, John the Baptist was preaching repentance, warning of dire consequences for those who do not do so. Sometimes commentators draw a contrast between the preaching of John and the teachings of Christ, suggesting that Christ was much softer and more conciliatory. However, Christ too used strong words at times when he spoke about sin and our need to repent.
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Photo Credit: Advent wreath, 2. Advent, Ehrenbach from Wikimedia Commons.
