When we think of Christmas, we normally think of Christmas trees. However, our readings today give us two other trees to think about. In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah, we are introduced to the “stump of Jesse.” Not much of a tree! Yet this stump, and the future it holds, are a sign of great hope. You have to understand a little bit of Jewish history to understand just how bad things were and how much the Messiah was needed. Today’s homily gives a little introduction into this history. You may not end up singing “O Christmas Stump” by the end, but this stump might be just the hope you need right now.
In our gospel today, we meet St. John the Baptist (Yea! The hero of Advent!) and he introduces us to yet another tree. This tree, however, is in danger of being cut down, with an ax laid at it’s root. This tree is meant to represent us. It’s not enough simply to be Catholic and think that we’ve got it made. God can raise up Catholics from stones! Rather, we must bear good fruit, fruit that befits the repentance required to greet the Messiah with a clear conscience. Jesus has baptized us with the Holy Spirit and fire. We have to get going and bear real fruit. Otherwise, our tree is in danger of being reduced to a stump at the Lord’s coming.
Today’s homily focuses on the lesson of these two trees. One is a tree of hope, the other a tree of warning and urgency. Both trees are important for us this Advent if we want to celebrate around a Christmas tree in a few weeks.