Prepare the Way of the Lord

 A voice cries out:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
— Isaiah 40:3

How are your preparations for Christmas going? At my house, a disassembled tree lays in parts in the corner of the living room, surrounded by open boxes that hold more ornaments than the tree can hold. A line of window decorations has been unpacked, but awaits being put in their proper place. There are many things that I have not done, or have done a half-hearted job with.

Today’s gospel reading, Mark 1:1-8, features John the baptist and his ministry. The verse from Isaiah is referenced in relation to John, who was out in the wilderness and preparing the way for the Lord. His mission was to baptize those who came and confessed their sins.

We can prepare ourselves during this Advent season by confessing our sins through prayer, so that we may be ready to receive the good news of Christ’s birth once again. We should seek to restore shalom, wholeness and peace, to our relationships.

Sins hurt not only the person sinned against, but also the sinner. By first acknowledging our mistakes and how they have hurt others and ourselves, we can then let them go, knowing that we have been forgiven through our baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Take a moment today to acknowledge and confess your mistakes, your failings, your sins. Then let them go, preparing in your heart the way of the Lord.