Prepare The Way

“I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”—“a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ” And so John the Baptist appeared.

Mark 1:2–4

One December morning, my daughter Catherine jumped into our bed at 5:30 to declare, “Mommy, it is only twenty days to Christmas. I am so excited!” Needless to say, I did not share her excitement at that hour. But I realized how much I do love the Advent season—the season of preparing for the coming of Jesus. Each year, we remind our children that Christmas is about Jesus entering into the world, and Santa is not the reason for the season—although he does bring presents to our place.

In the Bible, John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. But how can we prepare people today? I believe God wants to use us in our normal, seemingly monotonous, everyday lives to introduce people to Jesus. Imagine how we would live each day if we believed that every encounter we had and choice we made about how we spend our time, talent, and treasure were part of that preparation process.

In this holiday season, let’s prepare people for the One who can bring true meaning, peace, love, joy, purpose, and forgiveness. Let’s prepare them to meet Jesus.

Lord, show me how to prepare the way for You in the hearts and minds of everyone I encounter.