Prepare the Way

Advent focuses on the birth of Jesus, but another baby came before him, to prepare the way. His parents were "upright in the sight of God." Yet, Elizabeth had not been able to conceive, and Zechariah did not believe that she would. But the angel Gabriel's words were true. The boy was born, and they named him John.

He was:
a joy and delight
great in the sight of the Lord
filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth

He would:
bring people back to the Lord their God
go on before the Lord
turn the hearts of fathers to their children
turn the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous
make ready a people prepared for the Lord
prepare the way for him
give the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins
show God's tender mercy
shine on those living in darkness
guide our feet in the path of peace

Perhaps as we wait for Jesus to return, we are to be like and act like John, 

• preparing the way for Jesus
• telling others about Him and His goodness
• shining in the darkness of debt, hurry, loneliness, stress, poverty, dissatisfaction 
• forgiving
• redirecting back to Him
• refocusing on peace, love, joy, and hope that only He provides

This is only possible when we are with Him and allow "ourselves to be guided into the way of peace" (One Small Light 10). May we walk with You, Lord, and tread in the way of peace today, inviting others to join us.