by Rev Steve Nickodemus

The King is Coming!

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
Isaiah 40:3

It is time to get those Christmas decorations up!  We have already put up our lights and decorated the tree and the mantle, but is that the most important way to get ready for Christmas?

Isaiah tells us that we are to “prepare the way for the Lord” who is coming, to create “a highway for our God.”  That means something more than putting up Christmas decorations.

It means opening your heart to the Lord who came down from heaven to earth to die upon a cross to take away your sins.  It means repenting of your sins, changing your life, making what was crooked straight.  It means that this little Child who was born in Bethlehem demands more preparation than decorations and finery and lights.  He calls you to admit your sin and your need for a Savior.

In this season of Advent, take time to prepare your heart for the coming of the King, the Lord of the universe, who became flesh and dwelt among us that we might experience the glory, the forgiveness, the grace of God.  Allow the Lord Jesus to reshape your priorities, your values, your life.

“O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel.”

O God, prepare my heart and life for the coming of the Lord Jesus.  I repent of my sins and embrace your mercy and grace in my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado