“The voice of one crying in the wilderness; ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.” Matthew 3:3
Oh, the preparations we will make! It starts about a month before December 25. The tree is bought or comes down out of the attic. The decorating begins. Bright reds and greens come out of the closet. The wreaths and stockings are hung with such care; in hopes they will be filled, before the day gets here. The tree skirt awaits; its gifts to hold. The baking pans come off of their organized shelf. The air will fill with such sweet smelling fragrance. Why, all the fuss?
Isaiah prophesied John’s statement in the wilderness. “Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.” The man who wore a garment of camel hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey, was crying out for people to get ready.”
Dear friends; let us ask ourselves, are we making preparation for the return of this same Jesus? His birth was prophesied. His torture and death were prophesied. His second coming is prophesied. Are we making preparation for His return? Please ask yourself today, who am I telling? Am I crying out to the world; “People get ready, Jesus is coming.”
We see refrigerator magnets, large signs, book marks that proclaim, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Let’s live this Christmas like we believe, He is coming soon. Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; even out in the wilderness of the world. Shout out, Christ is born; but also Jesus is our soon coming King! Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Prayer in Motion:
Jesus, give me someone today that I can tell about Your birth, Your life and Your death. You came to die for all so that all might live forever. I love you Lord! In Jesus Name. Amen!
Addendum: I wrote this devotional on the morning of December 11. I based it upon God’s Word but also borrowed Dr. Seus’ book title “Oh the Places You Will Go”, changing it to “Oh the Preparations You Will Make.” I drove up to Huntersville to keep my grandchildren and as I pulled up, my grandson Luke came running out, holding the book, ” Oh the Places You Will Go.” He was taking it to school, for the teacher to read. Coincidence? I think not. I quietly said, “Thank You Lord.”
