“Only good fruit spares the tree the ax, and even now the ax lies at the root of the tree!” (Matt 3:1-12)

December 4, 2016

Second Sunday of Advent

We are reminded that Advent is not only a time of waiting for Christ but a time of waiting for His loving mercy and forgiveness.  Repentance changes our lives. It does not bring the poison of the vipers but the “good fruit” of counsel, strength, knowledge and delight in the mercy and love of God.  If we listen to the message of last week’s Gospel, we know that the best way to make ourselves ready for Christ is to recognize and live out the presence of God right now. “Only good fruit spares the tree the ax, and even now the ax lies at the root of the tree!”   (Matt 3:1-12)     - Deacon Jim