December 7, 2025

 

Suggested Readings:

Isaiah 11:1-10

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

Romans 15:4-13

Matthew 3:1-12

 

John the Baptist uses an interesting phrase in his confrontation with the Pharisees and Sadducees. He tells them “bear fruit worthy of repentance.” This challenge to bear fruit worthy of repentance is part of John’s larger message of repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah.

 

Repent comes from the Greek word metanoeō which means to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider. To repent means to change the trajectory of one’s life. It may begin with sorrow and shame, but it is much more than offering an apology.

 

Paul wrote to the Galatians that the works of the flesh are obvious. “Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these.” (Galatians 5:19-21a)

 

If the works of the flesh are obvious, likewise, the fruits of the Spirit are also unmistakable. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23a)

 

Fruit worthy of repentance is something that can be tangibly seen and experienced. Although love, joy, peace, patience, etc., are emotions they have visible manifestations. We may not be able to see love in a test tube, but we know when we are loved. The same is true with the other fruits of the Spirit. When those gifts are incarnated in our interactions with other people those emotions become visible realities.

 

John the Baptist challenges his hearers to prepare the way of the Lord. As we focus our attention on Christmas preparations let’s take seriously the call to repent. Let’s change our focus from ourselves to the needs of others. If we believe the Word became flesh and showed us the heart of God (John 1:14-18), then we must see in the life and ministry of Jesus that the heart of God is a heart of love, mercy, patience, and forgiveness. There is no room in my life for hatred, judgment, vengeance, pettiness, and bigotry. Fruit worthy of repentance demands that I manifest the fruits of the Spirit in all my interactions with my sisters and brothers.

 

Before wrapping the first gift or hanging the first ornament on the tree, take a few minutes to reflect on those persons whom you may have harmed with an unkind word or thoughtless gesture. Do not merely feel bad about judgmental attitudes, bear fruit worthy of repentance by asking forgiveness and practicing a loving, forgiving attitude. Actually, do something that by its very nature demonstrates godly sorrow and a wish to heal the relationship. God knows we have enough hate and vengeance in the world.

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. declared, “I have decided to stick to love. . .hate is too great a burden to bear.”

 

So . . .give yourself a life-changing gift this Christmas. Put away hate and practice love. Even when you don’t feel like it.