Prepare the Way: Advent means “coming.” The coming of the baby Jesus, God among us in human flesh. The coming of Christ again “the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory. In between those two great comings is God’s constant longing for each of us to come to God, to love God, and to let God love us. “Be alert.” Notice. Listen. Watch. For what? For the ways God will choose to get our attention this season. For those moments when we notice that our ways are not in alignment with God’s ways. For those shimmering glimpses of the Kingdom of God.

John the Baptist, cousin of Jesus, dressed in camel’s hair and lived off the land, driven by the message he has heard from the prophet Isaiah, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” “Stop,” John is saying. “Look at yourself and your life. Make a fresh start. Begin again. Come, be baptized. Someone is coming to lead the way. My job is to point to that someone.”

Listen to “Comfort Ye, My People” from The Messiah. How does it make you feel? Where do you hear messages of hope and anticipation?

Prayer: Dear God, we want to keep awake, to watch, to be alert. Thank you that we can be here with you today. Help us to prepare for your coming. Amen.