“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” 

Mark 1:3

Read Mark 1:1-8 

“Pre – e – e – pare ye the way of the Lord!” It was spine-tingling, hearing the full chorus of John the Baptist and Company send forth the glorious challenge and invitation. Fresno Pacific University’s Theater Department was magnificent, performing Godspell in the new Warkentine Culture and Arts Center. We were electrified by the re-enactment of that grand announcement: It’s time to get ready. God is on the move. We were more than the audience. We were invited to sing along. 

That age-old announcement by the prophet Isaiah first reached despairing Israel in exile. “Prepare the way of the Lord! Get ready! Construct a road through the desert. God will lead you from captivity in Babylon back to your homeland.” And it happened! Exile ended—for some. It wasn’t all they had hoped for, but it was a start, a sign of things to come. 

Fast forward 500 years. This time John the Baptizer cries out: “Prepare the way of the Lord! Repent! Renew hope! God is on the move once more.” This time God arrived in person, transforming lives, inviting people to return from exile into the presence of a loving and forgiving God. 

Each year Advent season reminds us: God’s work is not finished. The invitation and challenge go forth anew. “Get ready! God is on the move!” God still changes people, changes circumstances. And one day, all that is wrong with God’s creation will be made right. Exile will be over once and for all. Till then the call goes forth: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” 

Prepare our hearts, Lord Jesus, to receive you into our lives, into our churches, into our world. As you once came to walk among us, come again to lead us all the way home.