In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ” John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
– Matthew 3:1-6
The Story of John the Baptist
When I think of John the Baptist, only one word comes to mind: unwavering. He was unwavering in his commitment to sharing the Gospel and preparing the way for the Lord.
John the Baptist was a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’”
But how did he prepare the people? He called them to repent their sins and be baptized. He spent his life preparing people for the coming King. He prepared their hearts in the same way that advent can prepare us to spiritually celebrate the birth of Jesus.
It can be so easy to rush through the Christmas season, picking out presents and getting ready for physical events, that we miss the spiritual purpose behind the celebration. John the Baptist committed his days to “making straight the path” for the Lord in “the power and spirit of Elijah.” He lived differently and loved differently to make known the glory of his cousin, Jesus.
John could have taken the credit for himself, but he unwaveringly pointed people to the lifesaving truth of the Gospel and who Jesus was. He consistently humbled himself to make known the way of righteousness.
Reflection
It can be easy to want to prepare for Christmas by filling your tree with gifts, but what are you filling your soul with? How can you build God centered excitement in your home and in the people around you to point them back to the love of Jesus and His rescue plan for us?
Prayer
Lord, as we focus on how to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ incarnate, we pray that You reveal to us ways that we can turn our hearts to You this season. We pray that we can take moments to honor the miracle and fulfilled promise that was the birth of your Son. We pray that we can be unwavering like John in how we serve You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.