by Jordyn van Gaalen

Prepare the Way

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“John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”
John 1:23 New International Version

John the Baptist, quoting from the prophecy of Isaiah, is calling for preparation of the coming Messiah. He is encouraging people to turn to the Savior. He is proclaiming the promises of God for all to hear. John the Baptist names the first step of making way for the Lord as repentance. 

 As John the Baptist encouraged, let us turn away from attempting to be our own god, and turning to the one and only God. Preparing for the Savior involves turning away from our sin and from ourselves, and turning toward God. Repentance requires a change of heart, mind, and action. Let us make a clear path for the King of kings, Lord of lords. Let us make straight the way for the Lord as we set our hearts, minds, and actions on Christ.

As we prepare for Christmas time, we prepare our heart, mind, and actions to reflect the Light of the world. We are a city on a hill, reflecting who Jesus Christ is and His vast love for us. We are witnesses to the heart transforming power of the Holy Spirit, the incredible miracles He has done in each of our lives, and the comfort he brings us.

As Christmas approaches, we reflect on Jesus Christ entering our earthly world. He comes to us as Immanuel which means “God with us,” born in complete humility. He walks with us in the midst of the pain and suffering we face. He endured the same trials we face, in order that He could take our place. He took the ending we deserved upon Himself when He came to earth with the sole mission of bearing our sin through death on a cross. Let us prepare the way for the Light of the world this Christmas season.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado