Better Than Ice Cream

I love ice cream!

 

When my kids were young and growing up, an almost nightly summer ritual got them very excited. They would hear a bell, and perhaps some music. Immediately they would stop whatever they were doing and come running home, yelling, “The ice cream man! The ice cream man!”

 

I would grab my wallet, and we would all go outside, flag down the truck, and happily enjoy ice cream.

 

Today’s reading is John 1:1-12.

 

Prior to Jesus beginning his ministry, John the Baptist is sent to tell everyone that the Messiah is here. He “came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.”

 

What an awesome responsibility John had! What a great joy to be God’s mouthpiece to announce the coming of the promised Messiah!

 

The Baptist certainly had a large following. He had to remind his disciples that he was merely God’s mouthpiece, and not the Messiah. He even told them he was not worthy of untying Jesus' sandals.

 

Most of his life must have been happier than my family having ice cream. (Yes, I am sure John did not enjoy his beheading!)

 

My kids announced the coming of the ice cream man. John the Baptist announced the coming of Jesus, the Messiah.

 

We are a lot like John the Baptist. We have an awesome responsibility. We can also be the Church’s, that is God’s, mouthpiece.  

 

John told the world that Jesus is coming and what he would be doing. We get to tell the world that Jesus has come, and what he has done for us. And Jesus has done a lot for us.

 

The forgiveness of sins. Bodily resurrection. Eternity in heaven.

 

It is even better than ice cream.