John the Baptist is an amazing figure in the New Testament. His birth was miraculous. Both of his parents (Zacharias and Elizabeth) were too old to bear children. Regardless, the angel Gabriel announced that he would be born, filled with the Holy Spirit before his birth and bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord (Luke 1).

In the book of Matthew (chapter 11), Jesus praises John as the greatest of all the prophets: “Among those born of woman there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist…”

As John began his public ministry (Luke 3), his preaching was very confrontational. He had a two-fold message, the good news-Messiah has come and the warning- there is wrath to come for all who reject God’s son.

He exhorted them to not rely on their religious pedigree (the fact that they were Jews). And instead, he urged them to respond to His coming and “produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”  They couldn’t just listen and walk away. His message was so forceful that it caused each one of them to make a personal response.

After one of John’s fiery messages, the crowd asked, “What should we do then?”

And John responded, if you have two shirts, share with someone who only has one. He wanted them to be generous.

The tax collectors (dregs of that society) were in the audience also and they asked, “Teacher, what should we do?”  Knowing that tax collectors were notoriously dishonest, John told them not to collect any more than what they were required to do. He wanted them to address their character.

Some soldiers who were standing around listening to his preaching also asked, “And what should we do?” And to them he replied, don’t exhort money from villagers or accuse people falsely. He urged them to be content with their pay.

This week, our reaction to that babe in Bethlehem ought to produce a sincere personal question from our hearts too. In light of all that He has done for us (our salvation, the many “regular” blessings, the hope of eternity and on it goes), we too ought to ask, “What should we do?”

The answer will be different for everyone. For some of us, He is asking for time…time to invest in the Lord’s work. So take on that ministry at church. Get up a little earlier on Sundays and help in the children’s ministry. Join the youth and lead a bible study. Mentor a young believer.

For others of us, the answer to that question will require a gift of resources. We will have to start tithing or giving more generously to ministries. We will need to research and find a missionary couple or family that we can support. We will need to become a cheerful giver.

And for others of us, we will need to respond and go. Go to college and prepare ourselves to serve Him in a meaningful career. Go on a purposeful vacation and encourage some folks who serve overseas. Go volunteer at a shelter for the homeless. Just go.

John didn’t allow his followers to just nod and move on. His messages forced a response from each listener. This Christmas season, we have that same responsibility…in light of His grace and mercy, what should we do then?

And for others of us, we will need to respond and go. Go to college and prepare ourselves to serve Him in a meaningful career. Go on a purposeful vacation and encourage some folks who serve overseas. Go volunteer at a shelter for the homeless. Just go.

John didn’t allow his followers to just nod and move on. His messages forced a response from each listener. This Christmas season, we have that same responsibility…in light of His grace and mercy, what should we do then?