Third Sunday of Advent
A good leader is someone who others can depend on. When problems arise, we expect a good leader to respond with patience and confidence. We look to them with hope that no matter what is thrown at us everything will be ok.
My dad is a natural leader. Whenever there is a project or task that needs to be completed, he is always the one who takes charge. People look to him for guidance on what needs to be done and approval to make sure it was done correctly. He doesn’t boss people around; he walks alongside them and helps them be successful.
John the Baptist understood what it meant to be a good leader. In the Gospel we see crowds seeking his counsel. People from different walks of life were looking to John for answers. He could’ve given them generic answers but instead he addressed each concern that was thrown at him and gave specific answers.
What makes John the Baptist a great leader is that he doesn’t seek the glory. After he helped the crowds with his teaching, they wondered whether he was the Christ. In those times, the Jewish people were expecting the Christ to come and restore the kingdom and power they once had. Instead of hearing this and becoming prideful, he corrects them and points them in the right direction. He tells them, “One mightier than I is coming.”
Who is this mightier one? He was speaking about Jesus. Jesus is the true Christ who came from heaven not to restore an earthly kingdom but to proclaim a heavenly kingdom. A kingdom that lasts forever and is for everyone!
Ultimately, we are all called to be leaders in our own way. Whether it’s to lead a company to be successful, a sports team to win games, or a parent to raise your children to be good and productive people. No matter the situation we will need to step up and make tough decisions to benefit others. What’s important is to not let it get to our heads. We need to remain humble and avoid pride when we are put in positions of authority.
Most importantly, we need to direct those we are leading to Jesus. We can place all our hope in him and have full trust that no matter what happens everything is under control.
Advent is a time to prepare for the coming of Jesus to earth as a baby. During this season we should take some time to imagine Jesus actually being born this Christmas. How does that effect our lives? What, if anything, about my life needs to change before He comes? Take these questions to prayer and make some resolution to the baby Jesus this Advent.
Give Him permission to lead you.