We’re still with John the Baptist, but this time we have the foretelling in Isaiah of the mission Jesus set out for himself. It was one of meeting with those who may have thought they had no hope seeking to heal what had been broken.

This may be hard, but what are the heartbreaks you have known in your life?

• Can you tell those stories, or is it still too painful?
• Where did you find hope; if indeed you have done so?
• Have you anything you might share with those who are still struggling?

If you are in a group, take time to talk about this.
Take care with one another.

Bible Readings

Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11

You may be more familiar with these words in Luke Chapter 4. Have a look at Luke 4: 14ff now.

• What is the good news that the prophet has come to bring?
• Who is it for?
• If you look at how Jesus uses this passage, is there anything more to say?

John 1:6–8, 19–28

John does not begin his gospel with John the Baptist. He begins with the beginning, and it is into the story of God that John is brought in.

• What was John the Baptist’s part in the story?
• What do you think the significance of John’s baptism was?
• How was someone living an uncompromising life in a wilderness place a message of hope?

Questions to consider

• At the beginning of this meditation you were asked to reflect on your own experience. Now look at the wider world and think through where you see heartbreak among those that you know or in the wider world?
• What is the hope that the coming of God into our world in Christ can bring into those situations? Is it real for you and can you share that with others?

If you are working in a group, then you may discuss some or all of these questions – or your conversation and prayer may take you somewhere else entirely. The important thing is to take time to reflect and pray in whatever way is most appropriate for you.

This meditation can be downloaded as a PDF here: Advent Meditations Week 3.