John the Baptist (Old Southern Version)

In Judaea's wilderness, John did appear,
With words of truth, he drew hearts near.
"Repent," he cried, "for the kingdom's at hand,
Prepare the way, let righteousness stand."

With camel's hair garment, and leather belt tight,
John lived in the wild, his message alight.
From Jerusalem's walls to Jordan's shore,
Multitudes came, seeking sin's cure.

In the midst of doubt, and hearts perplexed,
John proclaimed truth, fully unflexed.
His voice in the wilderness, a beacon bright,
Guiding souls to the eternal light.

Pharisees and Sadducees, they too drew near,
But John's words were sharp, devoid of fear.
"Produce fruits of repentance," he sternly spoke,
"True faith's evidence, not mere cloak."

Then came Jesus, to Jordan's flow,
To be baptized by John, the waters below.
But John hesitated, in awe and surprise,
"Lord, it's I who should be baptized," he did advise.

John, the voice in the wilderness,
Calling souls to righteousness.
Baptizing in the Jordan's flow,
Pointing to the One we need to know.

In the midst of doubt, and hearts perplexed,
John proclaimed truth, fully unflexed.
His voice in the wilderness, a beacon bright,
Guiding souls to the eternal light.

As Jesus rose from the watery embrace,
The heavens opened, revealing grace.
The Spirit descended like a gentle dove,
A voice declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased," from above

May John's message echo through the ages,
As we turn our hearts to ancient pages.
In Jesus, our hope and salvation's true,
Let our lives reflect His love anew.