John’s baptism also heralded the one who would come and baptize not with water, but with the Spirit. When Jesus emerged from the wilderness after 40 days of temptation, he went to the Jordan to be baptized by John. And as Jesus emerged from the water, the Spirit descended upon him, and God spoke and affirmed his identity as his son.
This revelation and anointing importantly heralded that God and his kingdom were present with his people through his son Jesus now– and provide a glimpse into the future age, where Jesus would continue to be present, through the Spirit.
Advent is the season of Emmanuel, God with us.
