Advent is a time for preparation. Many of us are busy getting our homes ready for Christmas. We are cleaning, decorating, baking, and sharing in many festivities. We spend a lot of time preparing.
John the Baptizer came to prepare the way for Jesus. The Greek words translated as "prepare" carry the meaning of building, constructing, furnishing, equipping, making ready, and getting everything done. We certainly do a lot of that as Christmas approaches. Yet, all of our external preparations are not nearly as important as how we prepare ourselves internally for the coming of Christ.
Is your heart ready to receive Jesus? Is your mind open to the coming of the Christ Child? Does the Messiah make a difference in your life?
John the Baptizer roars from the wilderness, "Prepare a pathway for the Lord's coming! Make a straight road for him! Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills! Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places! And then all people will see the salvation sent from God." (Luke 3:4-6 NLT)
Are you preparing a path for the Lord? Can you see the salvation sent from God? During this Season of Advent, ask God to straighten the road to your heart. Pray that your valleys will be filled, and your mountains and hills made level. Ask God to straighten the curves and smooth out the rough places. Prepare to receive the salvation sent from God.
We eagerly await the coming of Christmas. We welcome the Baby of Bethlehem. Yet, we are also called to await the Second Coming of Christ. Jesus will return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Our calling is to make him our King and to live with Christ as Lord of our lives.
So, get ready! Be prepared! Jesus is coming! Welcome the baby of Bethlehem and worship the King of Kings!
Come, thou long expected Jesus! Come and rule in our hearts, our minds, and our lives! Come, Jesus, come!
Pastor Linda
