A Voice in the Wilderness

December 26                                                                  

Scripture Reading
Read Isaiah 40:3-5 and reflect on the passage.

Matthew 3:3 clearly identifies John the Baptist as "The voice of one calling" in our reading for today.  When Isaiah wrote this passage, it was common practice for eastern monarchs who were making an extended trip, to send servants before them to prepare for their passage. This included improving roads and removing all impediments to the safe travel and arrival  of the monarch. John fulfilled this role by calling the Jews to repentance, baptizing them, and ultimately preparing them for the coming of King Jesus.

During this Advent season, we have been preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and in many ways His coming into our individual lives to save us. We have had, and continue to have, an opportunity to heed Isaiah's words and John's actions as we examine ourselves and "make straight in the wilderness a highway for our  God". We also have an opportunity to put these same words and actions into place as we interact with others – both believers and non-believers. The King has come! Let us continue to prepare the way for His presence in our hearts and lives and in those who don't know Him.

Questions

What areas in the wilderness of our lives should we ask God to help us "make straight" as we contemplate the miracle of Christmas?

How can we help "prepare the way" for non-believers to hear the true message of Christmas and receive the gift of Jesus into their lives?

Prayer

Father, thanks for Christmas. Help us to be voices that "prepare the way" for Christ's  presence in our lives and the lives of others. Amen.

                                                                                                                        Tom Richards