John the Baptist was the...
Illustration
John the Baptist was the most unlikely character to herald the coming of Christ. He just didn't fit the part. Besides what could he do? What did he have to offer -- a question we often ask ourselves today.
John Nesbitt tells a story of Barnaby who was a wandering juggler in medieval Europe. Finding himself with no money, Barnaby went to a nearby monastery to find work. As the days followed, and with Christmas approaching, Barnaby heard the monks talking about the gifts they were preparing to give to the Virgin Mary for Christmas. One was translating a book, another painting a picture, and a third was weaving a tapestry because the best gift received the blessing of Mary.
When Christmas came Barnaby could give no gift that was suitable. He happened to think of his juggling equipment hidden in his room. So he gathered his equipment, went to the chapel and proceeded to do his tricks before the Statue of Mary. The abbot happened by and was horrified at this apparent sacrilege. Here was Barnaby desecrating the chapel by performing cheap tricks. But, as the abbot came down the isle to repremand the culprit, he stopped suddenly. For the Statue seemed to come alive and place her hands on Barnaby's head in blessing.
Sometimes like John the Baptist, we don't fit the part and we may feel that we have nothing to offer. But we can give ourselves to prepare the way for the Lord. By beginning to prepare the way in our hearts. And in that time of preparation and repentance, we find that we have received the blessing of God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
John Nesbitt tells a story of Barnaby who was a wandering juggler in medieval Europe. Finding himself with no money, Barnaby went to a nearby monastery to find work. As the days followed, and with Christmas approaching, Barnaby heard the monks talking about the gifts they were preparing to give to the Virgin Mary for Christmas. One was translating a book, another painting a picture, and a third was weaving a tapestry because the best gift received the blessing of Mary.
When Christmas came Barnaby could give no gift that was suitable. He happened to think of his juggling equipment hidden in his room. So he gathered his equipment, went to the chapel and proceeded to do his tricks before the Statue of Mary. The abbot happened by and was horrified at this apparent sacrilege. Here was Barnaby desecrating the chapel by performing cheap tricks. But, as the abbot came down the isle to repremand the culprit, he stopped suddenly. For the Statue seemed to come alive and place her hands on Barnaby's head in blessing.
Sometimes like John the Baptist, we don't fit the part and we may feel that we have nothing to offer. But we can give ourselves to prepare the way for the Lord. By beginning to prepare the way in our hearts. And in that time of preparation and repentance, we find that we have received the blessing of God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
