Dear Parishioners of Mary Immaculate and St. Rose,
When one calls to mind the figures who are part of the Christmas story, John the Baptist is not the first to come to mind.  And yet, of the four Sundays of Advent, he is the prominent figure in two of them.
John is the first to respond to the presence of Jesus in the world.  When Mary visits Elizabeth while both children are still in the wombs of their mothers, John leaps for joy when Mary greets Elizabeth.
From the beginning, John’s conception, birth, and life are mysterious, miraculous and sacred.  Like Jesus, his birth is announced by the message of an angel.  His father Zechariah is told to give him the name John. His mission in life is given to him before he is even present in the womb of his mother. 
We know nothing of the childhood of John the Baptist,  He erupts in the Scripture with a cry of Repent!  He is described as wearing a robe of camel hair with a leather belt.  His food is locusts and wild honey.  He reminds us that the Kingdom of God is at hand.  There is One coming Who will usher in that Kingdom.
John is quick to point out that he is merely the messenger: He is not the Messiah. There is One far greater than he Who is to come and he is not even worthy to untie the string of His sandals.  John is not just being modest.  He is pointing out that there is a greater One to come.  He will baptize, but His baptism is different.  John has a baptism of repentance. The new baptism will be with water and the Holy Spirit.  This baptism is not just a symbol.  This baptism is a sacrament that gives new life!
John prepares the way of Jesus.  He is bringing about the message of Advent: Prepare the way of the Lord!
During this time of the year we often have warm feelings, wonderful memories of Christmases past, and a sense of goodwill and contentment.  But preparing for Christmas is more than that.  It is not just warm feelings and happy memories.  It is about being aware of a God Who loves.  A God Who loves us so much that He takes on our human flesh.  That even in celebrating the infant Savior in the crib, we are aware of Man and Savior Who died for us on the Cross!
John the Baptist, pray for us, that we can prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus!
Msgr. Cox
 

Saint John The Baptist In The Desert, Bartolome Esteban Murillo (1666 )