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“And you, child (John), will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways.”  Luke 1:76 (ESV) “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19:20a  (ESV)

An elderly couple experiencing the surprising joy of their lives – Zacharias and Elizabeth became parents to a son of promise. Barrenness had been their journey yet now in their old age, God in His perfect timing was fulfilling their lifelong dream to have a child. Prayers once offered now answered, and their baby boy, John the Baptist, would one day turn hearts towards Jesus. Filled with the Holy Spirit and humility, he would be the one God ordained to proclaim repentance and prepare the people’s hearts for Jesus earthly ministry.

So what’s this preparing look like? Well Webster defines prepare as putting our mind in a proper state and to make ready in advance for some purpose, very similar to the Greek and Hebrew interpretations. John’s divine purpose was basically turning the people’s focus inward to the condition of their sinful hearts. Hearts that desperately needed a Savior that would be found in Jesus alone. A softening awareness, a humbling response so hearts would welcome the Messiah at God’s perfect time of revelation.

When the time came John gave up the spotlight recognizing he must decrease and Jesus, the Son of God, must increase and take center stage. A pivotal transition ordained by God from the very beginning – a mission fulfilled.

So sweet friends, what’s our preparing look like? What divine mission has God called us to? Regardless of what our journey has looked like, the moment we invited Jesus into our lives we were commissioned to share the Good News of the gospel. To make disciples of all nations – no discrimination allowed. To encourage others and teach them the truths of God’s word drawing their hearts not to us but to Him alone. To prepare our hearts for the day we see our Savior face to face. To glorify Him in all things so others will see His light within us and soften their hearts. A preparation positioning us to fulfill the mission God ordained from the very beginning.

When the Christmas story is center stage it’s a glorious time to seize opportunities. Candlelight services. Nativity scenes. Christmas movies. Sounds of the season. All preparing our hearts to receive the greatest gift of all. The perfect time to plant seeds of hope. Not pushy. Not condemning. Not demanding. The perfect time now to pray for sharing conversations and God’s opening of hearts. Celebration doesn’t necessarily mean believing, so let’s prepare our hearts for sharing and seek God’s leading  – we might just be the answer to someone’s prayer.

“Jesus give us the courage and boldness to pursue open doors to share the truth of Christmas this season. To draw attention to the glories of Your birth and the sweetness of Your presence in our world.”

For His Glory
Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life