Emphasis Preaching Journal

In parades through the city streets of Austria at Christmastime, the figure of Saint Nicholas is seen walking along and handing out gifts to all the children who have been good. But going ahead of Saint Nicholas is a person dressed as the devil. And that devil chases after those young people who have been bad. So in Austria, more so than in the United States, the point is made clear that rewards are not necessarily for all people. During Advent we look forward to the coming of Christ. Yet we must remind people that that event brings with it consequences that we must prepare ourselves for.