What Does John the Baptist Teach Us About the Meaning of Advent? –By Matthew Ma

“John the Baptist lived a simple and uncomplicated lifestyle. It is recorded that during his adulthood, he resided in the rugged regions of Judea, situated between the city of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. He chose to wear clothing crafted from camel hair, along with a leather belt around his waist – an attire commonly associated with prophets. Although John’s choice of clothing may seem unusual to the present-day reader, it held great significance for the Jewish followers of the 1st century, who could instantly recognize the connotation behind his garments.”

Advent is a particular time in the Church’s liturgical year that spans four Sundays and weekdays leading up to Christmas. Its name comes from the Latin word “ad-venire,” meaning “to come to.” Advent serves two purposes: preparing for the celebration of Christmas, which commemorates the arrival of Jesus of Nazareth, the long-awaited King and Messiah, and reflecting on the unexpected nature of his humble birth while anticipating his second coming to unite heaven and earth. Christians from diverse backgrounds have celebrated Advent throughout history, with a focus on hope, peace, love, and joy. While practices may differ, the hope-filled arrival of Jesus remains central to all. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas or the nearest Sunday to November 30 and ends on Christmas Eve, ushering in the Christmas season, which continues through the first Sunday after Epiphany. Therefore, Advent is a time of preparation, and Christmas is a time of celebration.

As we enter the season of advent, the church encourages us to reflect on the life of John the Baptist.
After recounting John’s incredible birth, the biblical record quickly moves forward to the beginnings of his ministry. What was his mission? Why was it necessary for someone to prepare the way of the Lord? What message did John preach to prepare people for the coming of the Savior? As the only son of a priest, John had the duty to follow in his father’s footsteps and marry to ensure the priestly succession continued. However, he chose to forsake this and retire to the desert. Later, he emerged as an anti-traditional prophet. According to the Gospels, John spent much of his life in the Judean desert, away from the public eye, until he received the word of God and began his prophetic ministry at around thirty years old (Luke 3:2). It was then that he emerged from the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4). John was a study in contrasts, from his solitary existence in the harsh wilderness to his sudden emergence as a charismatic preacher and baptizer. Despite being born to a barren mother, he came from a line of priests but chose to minister as a prophet, and he managed to reach Jewish society by distancing himself from it. John made a lasting impression on those who heard his message. As news of John’s compelling preaching spread, the Jewish religious authorities dispatched agents to investigate him. It’s easy to understand why they were interested. John tended to make people uneasy, stir up trouble, challenge the status quo, and upset established norms. When rumors circulated about a wild man clothed in animal skins wandering the desert and shouting at people to repent, it was only natural that the Jerusalem institution took notice. The authorities sought to learn more about this prophet and his mission. Still, John replied by quoting a well-known passage from the prophecy of Isaiah: “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord’” (Is. 40:3). Each of the gospel writers applied this same verse to John, emphasizing his role as a voice “crying out in the wilderness” to herald the arrival of the anointed Lord, the Messiah. In other words, John’s primary responsibility was to bear witness, testifying to the identity and purpose of Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist lived a simple and uncomplicated lifestyle. It is recorded that during his adulthood, he resided in the rugged regions of Judea, situated between the city of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. He chose to wear clothing crafted from camel hair, along with a leather belt around his waist – an attire commonly associated with prophets. Although John’s choice of clothing may seem unusual to the present-day reader, it held great significance for the Jewish followers of the 1st century, who could instantly recognize the connotation behind his garments. The Old Testament refers to a similar garment known as a sackcloth, which was often worn during times of mourning or as a public display of repentance for sins. The use of camel hair in clothing is an ancient practice that dates back to the early days of Christianity, with John the Baptist and Elijah believed to have donned similar attire. According to commentaries, historical evidence of its usage can be traced back to prehistoric times. Apart from conveying an image of poverty and asceticism, it should be noted that the rough texture of these clothes, when worn next to the skin, could cause painful rubbing and chafing, hence the need for the belts mentioned in these accounts to ensure that the fabric remained in contact with the skin. The significance of this attire was to indicate the outward appearance of God’s prophets – that they were not privileged or dressed in a manner befitting the wealthy or the upper class.

It’s important to note that John’s choice to wear camel hair was not a religious penalty but rather a symbol of his mission to reform against the prevailing wickedness. His attire conveyed a rejection of worldly materialism, opting not to fuss over fashion choices. Instead, he relied on the practicality of camel hair, which allowed him to quickly fashion an outfit by tying a belt around a single skin. Prophets were often scrutinized for their way of life, which is why John resided in the wilderness and donned skins for clothing. According to scripture, false prophets may use material possessions to deceive, while true prophets live a life of selflessness in order to fulfill God’s will. Jesus taught that a true prophet must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow in his footsteps. John’s mission was to prepare the way for Jesus to save his people, a concept that may have been forgotten in modern-day churches. Unfortunately, some may use the title of prophet to take advantage of God’s people. It is crucial to recognize the authentic qualities of a true prophet. John the Baptist’s humble and modest lifestyle resonates with those who experience poverty. Living off of insects in the wilderness may seem peculiar today, just as it did in the past. However, this was precisely the point for John, who sought to isolate himself from the world and subsist on locusts and honey to create a striking image of his message. As the last and most significant prophet, John used his entire life as a parable to convey the importance of repentance and faith through symbolic means. The significance of locusts and honey in the Torah was different, with locusts serving as a symbol of God’s judgment and honey representing blessings. A prophetic ministry embodied both ideas, warning of God’s curse while promising blessings to those who repented. John’s choice of diet meant his spiritual message, with his words about the kingdom and repentance being critical. Those who received his message with faith would experience the sweetness of God’s blessings, just like honey. However, those who rejected it would face God’s judgment, much like the unpleasant taste of locusts. John’s message was conveyed not only through his attire, which consisted of camel hair and a leather belt but also through his diet, which symbolized the importance of his words.

John the Baptist serves as a remarkable example of humility. Despite experiencing great success in his ministry and bringing many to a greater understanding of the truth, John always recognized that his primary role was to be the forerunner of Jesus. He understood that Jesus must be exalted and that he must decrease. John knew where the power to do good came from and acknowledged that he was just a humble servant. John’s Christlike attribute of humility is truly inspiring. Everything about his life was notable, from being the miracle baby granted to Zechariah and Elizabeth to a man filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. He lived in the wilderness, wore odd clothes woven from Camel hair, and had an incredible speaking ability that drew people from all over the region. John was bold enough to call out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the time, yet he remained humble in his actions and words. John’s popularity could have quickly gone to his head. People traveled great distances to hear his impassioned speeches and even trusted him to baptize them (Matthew 3:6). However, the Jewish leaders were threatened by John’s ministry and tried to discredit him (John 1:19–28). Although John was a superstar, his mission was not to be the leading man. John 1:8 reminds us that “He was not the light but came to bear witness about the light.” Every word John spoke, and his entire existence was dedicated to sharing the message of Jesus’ arrival.

Consider the role of an opening act at a concert – typically, an emerging group that lacks the fame to draw crowds on their own. Their job is to energize the audience while they wait for the headliner to take the stage. John the Baptist played this part for Jesus, though many believed he was the main attraction. It would have been easy for John to bask in the praise and adoration of the crowd. Still, he rejected this recognition: “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11). He also proclaimed, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’” (John 1:23). John recognized that his powerful speeches were not due to his own eloquence, but rather from God, and he used them to glorify his Maker. His unwavering faithfulness ultimately cost him his life. John publicly criticized Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for his wrongdoing, and as a result, he was imprisoned and ultimately beheaded as a party favor (Matthew 14:6-12). It’s not exactly the end a superstar like John the Baptist would desire. Yet, even with the executioner sharpening his blade in sight, John never entertained the thought of alternative scenarios. What if he had accepted the hero title bestowed upon him by the crowds or aligned with the influential religious leaders instead of opposing them? Or placated Herod instead of challenging him? John appeared to be so consumed by his devotion to God that he resided in the wilderness and subsisted on locusts (Matthew 3:3–4). Perhaps he did this to attain solitude with God and distance himself from the adoring masses while resisting the allure of their praise. John answered God’s call and lived with clear direction.

How did the people help John to prepare the way for Jesus? According to Matthew 3:6, they confessed their sins and were baptized as a symbol of turning away from their wrongdoing. But what does it mean to “prepare the way”? It involves creating a welcoming space or removing any obstacles that might prevent someone from entering your life and making a negative impact. As Luke 3:4-5 explains, John the Baptist was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah by calling on people to “prepare the way of the Lord” and make His path straight. By doing so, he helped to create an environment in which Jesus could quickly enter and touch the lives of those around Him. This concept applies not only to welcoming Jesus but also to creating space for positive influences in general. Consider how John the Baptist paved the way for the arrival of Jesus Christ by preaching the importance of repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins. This created a welcoming atmosphere for Jesus to carry out his mission. Today, some individuals turn to sinful practices, such as engaging in Satanism, in order to attain spiritual abilities. In their pursuit of power, they may commit heinous acts, such as bestiality, to gain wealth or other demonic skills. These actions defile the individual and establish an environment conducive for evil spirits to inhabit and operate. It prepares the path for the devil and his followers to thrive.

What is the relevance of John the Baptist’s message in our lives today? John lived an exceptional and unparalleled life, solely dedicated to proclaiming the coming of Jesus Christ, our Savior. It takes immense selflessness and humility to lead such a life, as John’s destiny was not to become great but to pave the way for someone more significant to come forward. Are we willing to do the same? While it’s natural to desire recognition and success, true fulfillment as humans comes from putting others, especially God, first. Though not always easy, studying John the Baptist’s story can teach us how to surrender ourselves in humility. How would you react if someone told you that you were going to pave the way for someone else to become successful and significant? Perhaps not immediately enthusiastic, but it’s essential to remember that sometimes our purpose is to help others achieve their potential. During the holiday season, we can gain valuable insight from John the Baptist. One of the most important lessons we can learn from him is to discover our true identity. Rather than relying solely on our own abilities and the opinions of others, we should look to God to understand who we indeed are. John exemplified this behavior perfectly. When questioned by the Pharisees in the wilderness, he did not conventionally identify himself. Instead, he declared, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: make straight the way of the Lord.” For many Nigerians, the question of identity is a common one that arises on a daily basis. This query, along with the question of who I am, can prove challenging for Nigerians to answer in a way that fully encapsulates their self-concept and self-identity. While some may respond with basic information such as their name, job title, family relations, hobbies, religious beliefs, and cultural background, these answers only scratch the surface of who they are as individuals. Life-changing events like migration, accidents, loss, divorce, illness, and other hardships can dramatically alter aspects of our identities, leaving us to question who we indeed are. In some cases, this can lead to the need for help and support, such as the request for food and assistance for one’s family. Ultimately, the question of identity challenges us to reflect on our beliefs, experiences, values, and how we navigate the world around us.

One of life’s greatest lessons is the desire to be humble, a trait that is unfortunately rare to find in individuals. However, there is a teacher who has truly mastered this virtue: John the Baptist. His genuine and attractive humility, as described in literature, is truly worth emulating. It stands in stark contrast to the values that society often emphasizes today. John the Baptist exemplified remarkable humility through his unwavering honesty and dedication to the Lord. When the priests and Levites dispatched a delegation to inquire about his identity, he didn’t hesitate to admit that he wasn’t the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet. Instead, he readily acknowledged that he was merely a voice crying out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord,” echoing the words of the Prophet Isaiah. It’s worth noting that if John wasn’t operating under the authority of God, he could have quickly responded to the delegation’s questions differently. He might have expressed it like this: My lineage includes highly respected priests, such as my father Zacharias, whose name may be familiar to you. You may have even heard my teachings, as I have spent time preaching in the desert and performing baptisms for numerous individuals. I have much to share in my sermons, and I welcome all to attend, listen, and learn. However, John the Baptist spoke differently. A man of his humility would never make such a boastful statement. If we examine the conversations recorded by Gospel writer Mark, John humbly stated that he was unworthy even to untie the sandals of the one who would come after him, who would be even more powerful. Despite the circumstances at the time, however, his modest and truthful testimony speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to serving the Lord.

Another valuable lesson we can learn from John is the importance of understanding that human beings are not equal. In John 1:30, John testifies to Jesus, “This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for he was before me.’ I am not worthy to untie his sandals.” From the start, John recognized Jesus’ superiority and divine nature as the Son of God, who was present at the beginning of the world (John 1:2-3). It was only fitting that John humbly stepped aside for Him. In Nigeria, there are times we want to compare ourselves to others. Often, we fixate on the achievements of others and deceive ourselves into believing that their success is more significant than our own. We immerse ourselves in a sea of comparisons, thinking that if we had the life of a celebrity like Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Dangote, Otedola, or anyone else, we would be fulfilled, content, and thriving. In our current culture, there is a pervasive belief that the pursuit of wealth and material possessions is the only path to success and happiness. We are conditioned to compare ourselves to others and relentlessly strive for more in order to achieve a satisfying life. But is this genuinely the case? Does anyone find joy in constantly measuring their life against someone else’s? Is it accurate to measure success solely by financial gain? There may be another path to fulfillment, one that involves embracing a more spartan, more contented existence that is not driven by material desires. It’s time to question these societal norms and consider the possibility that genuine happiness can be found in a life that is not dictated by an unending need for more. It’s safe to say that comparisons only lead to feelings of discomfort, frustration, and melancholy. Let’s have the courage to challenge the status quo and chart our own course to true contentment.

Another valuable lesson we can learn from John’s story is that everything we possess ultimately belongs to God. However, in Nigeria, there is a different perspective. It is common knowledge that Nigeria holds the title of the most economically unequal country in the world. What perplexes me is that we often direct our frustration and anger toward the government, which we know is unresponsive. Yet, we never seem to point fingers at the specific group of Nigerians known as the “Crazy Rich Nigerians” (CRNs). It was the same year that Nigeria was dubbed the poverty capital of the world that it also made headlines for having the highest number of billionaires globally. The CRNs have become fixated on the new wave of Nollywood, which unintentionally depicts their excessive lifestyle and unparalleled extravagance. This new genre of Nollywood films (The Bling Lagosians, Fifty, Chief Daddy, New Money, Royal Hibiscus Hotel, and The Wedding Party) confirms the uncomfortable truth about the CRNs that we tend to overlook. The wealthy Nigerians, known as the CRNs, spare no expense when it comes to their lavish lifestyles. They spare no expense when it comes to extravagant weddings, imported clothing, and luxurious homes in exclusive neighborhoods like Banana Island. When traffic comes to a standstill, they escape in their private helicopters. They never fly economy class, preferring first class or private jets for travel. Their children and grandchildren attend prestigious universities like Harvard and Cambridge, fully funded by the family. They shop monthly in Paris, New York, Amsterdam, or Toronto. I find myself questioning their inflated sense of superiority, arrogance, and mistreatment of ordinary Nigerians. The CRNs firmly believe in the principles of neoliberal competition, meritocracy, and industry as the key to their wealth, leading them to think that their success is well-deserved and that individual financial choices determine inequality in the country.

Some CRNs in Nigeria have benefited from their economic ties with the government and policies such as privatization and monopolization. Others have inherited colonial privileges or rose to power through the Structural Adjustment Program or oil boom era. Some CRNs also collaborate with multinational companies to exploit Nigeria’s resources. Unfortunately, these CRNs are the primary beneficiaries of Nigeria’s increasing economic inequality. They often use their workers, prioritize maintaining their elite status, and avoid taking responsibility for the country’s poverty. Despite their significant role in perpetuating unequal wealth distribution, many Nigerians need to be made aware of the problem. In fact, even working-class Nigerians have been influenced by neoliberal propaganda and industry logic, as evidenced by responses to billionaires on social media. As the creator of both heaven and earth (as noted in Genesis 1:1), God has shown us immeasurable love and compassion. By offering himself up to take away our sins, God has given us the opportunity to experience his love and fellowship once more. Despite all of these great works, however, it is essential to remember that God is still God. John recognized this and was able to point to Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29, 35-36). In doing so, he helped his followers to turn towards Jesus and away from himself, recognizing that Jesus was the one they should be following. By keeping the bigger picture in mind – that it was not about him but about God’s plan for the world – John was able to set aside any selfish desires for personal glory. In doing so, he helped to lead others towards true life in Christ.

As the secular world busily prepares for the upcoming holidays, the church takes a moment to pause and reflect during the Advent season on the wonder of God’s unconditional love and mercy in Jesus Christ. For Christians, this time is similar to expectant parents eagerly awaiting the arrival of their child, a mix of excitement, nervousness, longing, and reverence building as the day draws near. Just as parents prepare for their new arrival, so too do God’s people prepare themselves through the Advent disciplines of confession, repentance, and fervent prayer, both at home and in their places of worship. During the Advent season, we eagerly anticipate and make preparations to welcome the Lord. This involves clearing a straight path for him by removing any obstacles that may hinder his arrival. We must straighten out any crooked ways in our lives and society, as well as level every mountain and valley. Let us approach the Advent season with hopeful anticipation for the Lord’s arrival, trusting that he will bring forth new blessings in our lives and the world. This is a time for us to prepare ourselves, both morally and spiritually, to receive him with open hearts. Although it’s commendable to aim for achievement and prosperity, it’s vital to approach God with a modest mindset. According to 1 Peter 5:6, those who are humble will receive blessings from God, so let’s emulate John the Baptist and make way for God’s work in our lives. It’s an ideal moment to prioritize what’s truly important and approach everything with a humble disposition.

Rev. Ma, S.J, is a Jesuit Catholic priest and PhD candidate in public and social policy at St. Louis University in the state of Missouri, USA.