Prepare the Way of the Lord
Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make ready the way of the Lord, make his paths straight!"
-Matthew 3:3 (NASB)
As we begin the Christian liturgical year anew, we celebrate the season known as Advent, during which we prepare for the coming of Christ. Throughout Advent, we remember the words of the prophets foretelling Christ's coming. We have many customs and symbols in observing Advent - Latin for "the Coming."
Last Sunday in worship, at both services, we observed a traditional Hanging of the Greens service. In the hanging of the greens, we decorated our church with the symbols of hope, peace, joy, and love. As we decorated the Chapel, we explained the significance of the symbols of this very special season of Advent.
Throughout the centuries, Christians have observed a time of waiting and expectation before celebrating the birth of our Savior at Christmas. The prophet Isaiah writes: Here is my herald whom I send and he will prepare your way. Let us prepare our hearts for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
The Advent season is a time for personal reflection and preparation. Advent proclaims the revelation of God's love as expressed in Christ's birth in a humble stable, his sacrificial death on the cross, and his victorious resurrection! Advent points to the hope of Christ's coming again as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Our Chrismon tree stands tall, and its lights shine for all to see! As we made ready for the birth of Jesus by preparing our Chapel, we also make ready ourselves in the sanctuary of our own hearts.
We are mindful that although it is not yet Christmas, soon and very soon, we are going to see the King! Hallelujah, we're going to see the King! Come, let us begin our expectant waiting, for Christ, the Messiah.
Prayer for Today
Creator of the stars of night, your people's everlasting light, O Christ, redeemer of us all, we pray you, hear us when we call. Amen.
