The importance of preparing the way

Tis the season for family gatherings and work parties. Hosting a holiday celebration involves much more than putting snacks and drinks out on the table. It takes time to prepare for the company.

The preparation isn’t always glamorous, like cleaning toilets and scrubbing floors, but it’s always worth it. Without preparation, the grandest of events are good ideas.

Luke 1:57-80 describes the birth of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s son, John. God had a special purpose for John’s life. John was filled with the Holy Spirit so he could preach repentance and help prepare people’s hearts to hear from Jesus, the Messiah who was coming soon. 

John’s role wasn’t always the most glamorous. (Matthew 3:4 records John wearing animal skins and eating bugs.) But without John’s preparation, the world wouldn’t have been ready for the message Jesus came to share.

Christmas is more than parties, music, and presents. Celebrating the birth of Jesus is a grand event that deserves the best preparation. Advent is our preparation. Thankfully, this doesn’t require scrubbing toilets or cleaning floors. Instead, Advent is a time to quiet our hearts, slow down our pace, and turn our focus from the hustle and bustle to the One this season is all about. 

When we take time to prepare, Christmas can go from being another commercialized holiday to truly being the most wonderful time of the year.

When we take time to prepare, Christmas can go from being another commercialized holiday to being the most wonderful time of the year. May this Christmas be different as we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming celebration of the Messiah. 

Reflect:

  • How has Jesus changed your heart and life? Where would you be today without Him? Take time to thank Him for all He has done. When you are running low on holiday cheer, remember your answers to these two questions and thank Him all over again.
  • What is one way you can keep Christmas about Jesus? 
  • Where can you schedule in at least 10 minutes to spend time alone with Jesus?

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