December 8th - Prepare the Way

Isaiah 40:3-5 (NIV):

"A voice of one calling: 'In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.'"

Have you ever prepared for an important guest to arrive at your home? Perhaps you cleaned more thoroughly than usual, arranged fresh flowers, or prepared their favorite meal. There's something about expecting an honored guest that motivates us to make special preparations.

In this passage from Isaiah, we hear a proclamation about preparing for the most important arrival in human history. This prophecy, written centuries before Jesus' birth, speaks of making ready for the coming of the Lord. The imagery of valleys being raised and mountains being lowered paints a picture of dramatic transformation - of obstacles being removed and paths being cleared.

During the Advent season, we remember not only Jesus' first coming as a baby in Bethlehem but also look forward to His future return. The preparation described here isn't about physical landscape changes but about the transformation of human hearts. Just as a construction crew might clear away debris and level the ground for an important new road, we're called to examine our lives and remove whatever might stand in the way of fully receiving Christ.

This preparation isn't meant to be done in isolation. Notice how the passage ends - "all people will see it together." The coming of Christ isn't just for individual salvation but for the transformation of all creation. As we prepare our own hearts during Advent, we're part of a global community of believers all anticipating the revelation of God's glory.

Further Reading (Luke 3:4-8):

"As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: 'A voice of one calling in the wilderness, "Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God's salvation."' John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, 'You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.'"

Ask the Following Questions:

1. What "mountains" or "valleys" in your life might be blocking your path to a deeper relationship with God?

2. How can you practically prepare your heart for Christ during this Advent season? What needs to be "straightened" or "leveled" in your daily routine?

3. Consider the phrase "all people will see it together." How might God be calling you to help others prepare for His coming during this season?

Prayer:

Lord God, as we enter this Advent season, help us prepare our hearts for Your presence. Show us the obstacles we've allowed to build up between us and You. Give us courage to level the mountains of pride and fill the valleys of doubt. Transform not only our own hearts but help us be instruments of preparation for others. May we join with all creation in anticipating Your glory revealed. In Jesus' name, Amen.