Preparing for Christmas

​12-8-22
Preparing for Christmas
As we prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth, my devotion for today is based on Matthew 3:3, "This is he (John the Baptist) who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'"
John the Baptist's job was to prepare the people for the arrival of Jesus, the world's Savior. John told the people to make straight paths, lower the mountains, and raise the valleys. The truth is, our hearts are anything but straight and level. We have hearts filled with sin, anger, resentment, jealousy, and self-righteous pride. Our hearts don't require just a little preparation; they need mountains torn down and valleys filled in. We cannot do this on our own. That is John's point. Preparing hearts like ours for the coming of the King is a job that is too big for us. But the Holy Spirit can, as the Holy Spirit makes our hearts a ready place for the King.
The King comes with promises. Jesus comes to bring you release from your shame, pardon from your guilt, and a clean slate with God. Jesus has come to change the world and starts by changing you. From wrecked to redeemed. From sinner to saint. From guilty to glory.
Please pray with me, Dear Lord, prepare my heart for your coming. Clean out my sins and give me a heart with a throne only for you. Amen.