John the Baptists Message of Peace | Advent Devotional Day 22

December 21st, 2025
by Sarah Hines

Advent 2025 DevotionalCore | Peace
December 21, 2025
Written by Melissa Ross

Title: John the Baptist’s Message of Peace?

Scripture:

1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the desert of Judea announcing, 2 “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” 3 He was the one of whom Isaiah the prophet spoke when he said:
The voice of one shouting in the wilderness,
“Prepare the way for the Lord;
make his paths straight.”[a]
4 John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.
5 People from Jerusalem, throughout Judea, and all around the Jordan River came to him. 6 As they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. 7 Many Pharisees and Sadducees came to be baptized by John. He said to them, “You children of snakes! Who warned you to escape from the angry judgment that is coming soon? 8 Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives. 9 And don’t even think about saying to yourselves, Abraham is our father. I tell you that God is able to raise up Abraham’s children from these stones. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be chopped down and tossed into the fire. 11 I baptize with water those of you who have changed your hearts and lives. The one who is coming after me is stronger than I am. I’m not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 The shovel he uses to sift the wheat from the husks is in his hands. He will clean out his threshing area and bring the wheat into his barn. But he will burn the husks with a fire that can’t be put out.

Matthew 3:1-12

My Reflection:

I am not a big fan of surprises. I feel more comfortable when things follow a plan. Though John the Baptist’s ministry was foretold by Zechariah (Luke 1:76-77), John’s wild appearance and seemingly confrontational words surprise me when I read this passage in Matthew. I think John surprised many Israelites who seemed drawn to investigate his words due to their curiosity. Was this John truly the messenger that fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3? What are we to learn from this message, and is there any aspect of peace?

To my ears, John the Baptist is sounding a wake up call. People were intrigued by his unique announcement and while many were eager to hear more, few(er) folks were prepared to actively make a change in their lives to get ready for the “good news” that Jesus proclaimed and embodied. John is announcing change, and I am not typically an “early adopter” of any change. It takes me time to respond to an alarm (hitting snooze at least once every morning). If I envision a riverbed where John is inviting people to be baptized, I will not be among the first wave rushing into the water.

I find peace in trusting God’s plans, even if I find them surprising. I also appreciate that God welcomes those who may delay heeding the alarm or who wade hesitantly toward the baptism location. When I arrive, Jesus will welcome me with outstretched arms. I find peace (and joy!) in Advent knowing that we have weeks of anticipation and preparation before we are ready to welcome the new king!

My Prayer:

Dear God, awaken our hearts to John’s message from the wilderness. Prepare us for the way of the Lord and help us to follow as his leading. Use these days prior to Christmas to help us listen for a new calling, a new thing that you may be calling us to. Make us ready to embrace changes so that we can know you, and promote peace in your kingdom. Amen.

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