Prepare the Way
Photo image courtesy Pixabay
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” -- Matthew 3:1-2 (NKJV)
It was only as an adult that I considered Advent not only celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ but also hails His imminent return. Many of us are joyful for the babe born to deliver us from sin but fail to readily acknowledge the Lord’s second coming. Somehow, the promise of the Messiah’s return doesn’t always resonate as it should. Still, our Father, in His mercy, inclines our hearts for the coming of the Lord.
As such, the Gospel according to Luke begins not with the archangel’s proclamation regarding Jesus but rather a declaration for a different child. The birth of Christ was preceded by another miraculous birth, an infant who would later be called John the Baptist. John’s explicit mission was to turn men’s hearts away from sin and prepare the way for our Savior. John rebuked both the Roman rulers and the religious leaders for their sinful nature. He boldly condemned the Pharisees comparing them to trees void of fruit and only fit for the fire. John’s reprimand that sinners acknowledge the Lord and repent ultimately cost him his life.
We are also charged to use our voice and share the Gospel. And like John, it may cost us. We may not be murdered for our beliefs; however, friendships may falter, family members avoid us, or we may be deemed peculiar for taking a stand. Nevertheless, anything we lose is trivial compared to the privilege of leading people to our Savior. Unlike the religious Pharisees, we should strive to produce good fruit that illuminates the path to Christ.
We accomplish this by sharing our faith and praying that those who don’t know God will develop an intimate relationship with Him. Obedience to our Father and the prompting of the Holy Spirit allows us to facilitate God’s plan and direct others to Jesus.
This Advent, celebrate the babe and give thanks for His birth. Rejoice in the Lord and His return to this earth.
Question for Reflection:
What steps can you take during Advent to glorify our Savior and lead other people to Christ?
