He's Right Here

“John [the Baptizer] answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’ This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.” – John 1:26-28

Remember John the Baptist, the guy who baptized Jesus? He's known for pointing everyone towards Jesus, saying things like, "Get ready for the Lord! Fix the road for him!"

But here's a fascinating thing John says: "There is someone here among you whom you don't even know. He's coming after me, and I'm not even worthy to untie his sandals."

Think about that for a moment. John's talking to a crowd, and he's telling them that right there, in the midst of them, is someone they haven't even noticed. Someone amazing. Someone who will change everything.

Isn't that true for us too? In our everyday lives, there are people we don't know. People who might have incredible stories or amazing talents. People who could impact our lives in unexpected ways.

And what if Jesus is that person? What if he's right there with us, disguised in the ordinary, waiting for us to recognize him?

Throughout his life, Jesus surprised people. He wasn't the kind of leader they expected. He was humble, approachable, and overflowing with love. And that's the beauty of God. God is love, and Jesus is God in human form. It's the whole point of Christmas and the Incarnation.

So, what about the other things we long for? Love, forgiveness, peace, mercy, justice, life... Could they also be disguised among us, waiting for us to open our eyes?

This Advent season, let's keep our minds and hearts open. Let's be on the lookout for the extraordinary in the ordinary. Let's be ready to connect with the people around us because you never know how they might change your life.

May joy fill your hearts as we wait and watch for the one hidden among us to be revealed.