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Advent 2     Matthew 3:1-12

John's preaching (YA No 3)

The gospel stories gained much strength

From scriptures of the past;

Elijah was the prophet bold

In whose light John was cast;

This Baptist wore a leather belt

And clothes of camel’s hair;

Wild honey, locusts were his food;

He breathed the desert air.

The Jewish Bible was a source

That gave authority

To Christian preaching; it enjoyed

A Jewish quality;

Isaiah was a favourite book

The gospel writers use,

“Make straight a pathway for the Lord”

Gave weight to John’s Good News.

“The one expected”, John declares,

“Is one who is unique;

“Much greater than I am, is he:

“Compared with him I’m weak.

“Not worthy to untie his shoes”;

John takes the lowest place,

And with Elijah sees in Christ

The wonder of God’s grace.

As Jesus stands before us all,

Who is this man we see?

Does he fulfil in word and deed

All ancient prophecy?

Is he a visitor from God

Who tells a storm, “Be still”?

Or is he one who stirs our souls

Who prompts us do God’s will?

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