John the Baptist said, “I have baptized you in water; the one who is coming will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”
Mark 1.8
John the Baptist preaches repentance and has people who repent wash in water to symbolize their resolve to turn toward God. Bathing washes away the sweat, dirt, and smell of past work; it readies and revives the bather for new company and activity. John calls people to go beyond keeping the law and open themselves to the reviving Spirit of God. John promises one more powerful than he is coming, one who will baptize in the Holy Spirit.
What do you need to wash away to be open to God’s reviving spirit this Advent season? What relationships need reviving?