"Wilderness ... camel-skin ... locusts ... wild honey" - these are associated in today's Gospel reading with God's " messenger", John the Baptist (vv 2, 6). The messenger has the"'Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (v 1). He is the "voice" crying out in the wilderness (v 3). He is the proclaimer of "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (v 4). He is the one to whom "all Judaea and all the people of Jerusalem made their way" to confess their sins and to be "baptised by him in the river Jordan" (v 5).

And yet, he considers himself as "not fit to kneel down and undo the strap" of Jesus' sandals (v 7).

The "wildernes", may not be a pleasant place for us. However, if God calls, would you be there? If God has a message, would you be the messenger? Would you encourage the repentance and confession of sins?

Would you be humble enough to serve Jesus, in the lowest manner possible?

Advent can be a gifted time of retreat into the "wilderness". It can be where we deliberately open our ears to hear the call, to "prepare a way for the Lord, make His paths straight" (v 3), - ensure no obstacles exists in our relationship with God.

It can be where we renew our intention to live more simply. It can be where we courageously reflect upon ourselves and go on to repent and confess our sins. It can be where we come to the truth, that to serve God humbly, is pure joy.