Isaiah 40:3-5 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.
A call is going out to prepare the way for the Lord. God wants to come in power. God’s heart is for us!
Sometimes in past years I have read this passage and focused on the work of preparation. As if I have to somehow earn the right to join the party. But this is a celebration. Who is coming? Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I get to cheer the King. What a glorious party! My heart is for Jesus to receive glory—so whatever he says to me, I will do it gladly. Jesus’ death on the cross brings us victory over despair or defeat.
As in leveling the ground to build a highway; there are some things in my life that benefit me when they are taken away. The construction at the temple mount illustrate the value of what was built.
It’s all about Jesus. When he came the first time, it was as helpless child—he understands humanity. At Christmas time, have you noticed the diminishing number of nativity displays (Mary, Joseph and Jesus)? Jesus is at the center of Christmas.
Jesus will come again as the risen King of Kings. Will we help prepare the way for the Lord to come in power and glory? It’s a broken world. God’s plan is to work through people like us to advance His kingdom.