Show Notes
What does true repentance look like in everyday life—especially during the Christmas season?
In this third week of Advent, we turn to Luke 3:7–18 and John the Baptist’s call to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Instead of seasonal bursts of generosity, Scripture invites us into a year-round posture of mercy, justice, and intentional giving.
In this episode of Formed for Faithfulness, we reflect on how Christians can cultivate daily generosity that is both wise and compassionate—following Jesus’ command to “give to anyone who begs” while remaining discerning and helpful in practical ways. From care bags and gift cards to pointing people toward long-term support, we explore simple habits that reflect Christ’s heart for those in need.
Nuance’s Formed for Faithfulness is a weekly liturgy to encourage all of us to be faithful to Christ in the public square. Join Case Thorp and other guests as they follow the Church calendar through the reading of Scripture, prayer, and short reflections on faith in all facets of public life.
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Episode Transcript
Joy to the world; the Lord is come; let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare him room and heaven and nature sing. Welcome to Formed for Faithfulness in this third week of Advent, as we prepare our hearts for the coming of the King of Kings.
And now a reading from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 3, verses 7-18:
7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.
11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”
13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.
14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”
He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”
15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.
Chances are, sometime during this holiday season, you’ve passed by one of the Salvation Army’s red kettle collectors, and you may well have contributed something. With goodwill in the air, many people do. The Salvation Army raised almost $100 million that way last year. And they’re not alone. Overall, Christmas season charitable giving accounts for around thirty percent of all annual donations to charities in the United States. That’s both notable and commendable, but as Christians our giving should be more informed by the everyday signposts of Scripture than the seasonal sentimentality of Scrooge’s awakening. In this week’s Gospel passage we see a hint of that in John the Baptist’s admonition to living in the light of repentance year round, not just at Christmas. That looks like generosity, he explains, sharing our abundance with those in need. But in what circumstances? What to do when approached in the streets by people whose need may be self-inflicted? Jesus’ guideline is pretty simple: In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:42) He says to give to anyone who begs. Of course, Jesus also tells us to be wise as serpents. There are more ways to help than just handing over cash. Some organizations recommend keeping a few brown paper bags filled with essentials like a water bottle, granola, and hygiene products and give those away. Instead of money, you could carry grocery store gift cards. Or, if you see someone hungry asking for help, bring them a warm meal from a nearby eatery. I’ve even heard one story where someone made an arrangement with a local cafe whereby he would hand out his business card, which the cafe would honor for a free meal for anyone bringing it in and this individual would settle up later. It’s also a good idea, no matter how you show generosity, to have a list of local ministries and agencies on hand to point to for long term help. And remember, Christ calls us to nourish both body and soul. If you’re able and they’re willing, pray with the person to whom you’re giving. So what might it look like for you to have an intentional plan for goodwill all year round and not just at Christmas?
And now a reading from the 146th Psalm, verses 4-9:
4
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
5
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
6
He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
7
He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free,
8
The Lord gives sight to the blind,
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
The Lord loves the righteous.
9
The Lord watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
Would you join me in praying from the Book of Common Prayer?
Almighty and merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget. The homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all those who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this Father, for the love of your Son who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
And finally, a reading from the Letter to the Philippians, chapter 4, verses 4-7:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
