Day 5 – We’re Called to Prepare
Read
Luke 1:57-80, Malachi 3:1-4
Elizabeth and Zechariah knew even before his birth that their son John (known to us as John the Baptist) had a special calling. That he would be the one to “prepare the way” for the Messiah. He would be the one to first share the news of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, through Jesus.
In Luke 1:76 Zechariah says,
“And you, child will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways.”
John the Baptist was to prepare the way of the Lord so that Jesus could come into people’s hearts. His life was an example of how to live for and prepare others for Christ. He taught that people should examine their own hearts and turn to God for mercy and forgiveness.
Like John, each one of us are called to prepare the way for the Lord. We do this by living lives of love, compassion, generosity and humility. This Christmas as we spend time preparing to have friends and family in our homes, the chores of cooking and cleaning may not be the things we’re most excited about. But when everyone is around the table, it feels so good to see all of your preparation pay off. When you see everyone enjoying themselves, you know that all of the time spent was worth it!
Preparing the way for Jesus can look very similar to this as we cultivate a spirit of hospitality and anticipation in our own hearts this Advent Season. As we read and learn from John’s example let’s make a conscious effort this Christmas to “prepare the way” for Jesus in our own lives and in the lives of those closest to us.
Reflections:
- With all of the busyness of the Christmas Season, what is one tangible way we can prepare the way for Jesus in our own lives? In the lives of others?