John the Baptist came into this world with an assignment – to be a forerunner for Christ. He was sort of like a herald who runs before a king proclaiming to people, “The king is coming, the king is coming…” The aim is so that the people would prepare and thus be ready to receive their king. This he did by proclaiming in all the regions around the Jordan a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:3). And as our text reveals, this act was long ago prophesied by the prophet Isaiah. Of what was prophesied, we see this declaration, “Prepare the way of the Lord…”

John the Baptist prepared the way of Christ by bringing a national consciousness of sin. Multitudes came to him to be baptised, confessing their sins, and he would remind them that another is coming that would baptise them with fire. Later, he pointed the people to Christ while declaring, “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” We, too, have a responsibility this Christmas. We ought, like John, to prepare the way of the Lord among our family members and friends. Let us bring about a consciousness of sin and a call to repentance. But ultimately, let us remind people that there is only one who utterly saves us from the penalty, power,  and presence of sin – Jesus, the Christ. Let us not waste this Christmas opportunity but do everything possible to prepare the way so as people would encounter Christ and therefore be saved. That would make it indeed a merry Christmas.

1. What are some of the ways in which you can intentionally prepare the way of the Lord?

2. Who are some of the people that you would desire to share Christ with this season? Write their names down and begin by praying for them.