10 December Mark 1:1-8
Mark chapter 1, verse 1 is one of my favourite beginnings to a Gospel, along with the beginning of John. There is no mystery in the words, ‘This is the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.’ You know exactly what Mark’s message is.
It also reminds me of starting a murder mystery novel with the words, ‘The butler did it!’ No need to read further! But with Mark we need to read further to see the same good news that Mark had been given.
He carries on with the story of John, baptising people in the Jordan and we see John being a herald for Jesus. He says in verses 7 and 8: ‘The man who will come after me is much greater than I am. I am not good enough to bend down and untie his sandals. I baptise you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.’
So, the question is: are we heralds like John and Mark, not just this Advent time, but throughout the year? No mystery in our words, just Good News, the real gift of Christmas.
John Worthington
Lord, help us to be your heralds,
in all that we say and all that we do.
You are the only hope in our troubled world.
Bring the peace which passes all understanding
and open our hearts to your presence and love,
that we may truly share it.
Amen.
