Prepare the Way

Prepare the Way

 

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
   who will prepare your way;
the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
   “Prepare the way of the Lord,
   make his paths straight” ’, 

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’

Mark 1:1-8

 

Good Father,

In this Christmas season, we stand before You, recognising Your presence and the wisdom in Mark's words: "The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." This season reminds us of Jesus' birth, who brought a message of hope, justice, and love to our common home.

We remember John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Christ as a voice in the wilderness. May we also find the strength to be voices for justice and equality in our modern world. We ask for the strength to speak out against oppression, and the suffering faced by marginalised peoples.

Holy Spirit, guide us to welcome Christ into our lives every day. Help us embrace His message of love and live by His teachings. We pray for the strength to advocate for change and support the oppressed. 

In this season of hope, may Your love shine within us, guiding us to be beacons of justice and compassion. Like John the Baptist, may we prepare the way for Christ in our hearts, our communities, and our world.

Amen.

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Prayer written in reflection on Advent verse  Mark 1:1-8.

A visual reflection of Joshua Lane's Advent prayer is below.

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Joshua Lane is intensely proud of his family, faith, and culture. He has a heart for people, restoration, and healing. He also believes Jesus is the hope for peace between people. Joshua has 17 years of ministry experience in both church and chaplaincy. He is the Chaplain at Cowboys House and Cleveland Training & Education Centre, and Culture Lead for Scripture Union Australia. He is an ordained minister in the Australian Christian Churches attending iSEE Church, and is the chairman and one of the founders of Queensland Youth Connection, an empowerment organisation connecting Indigenous young people to their community.

This devotional is the tenth in a series of daily email devotionals for Advent 2023. This year's series reflects on the longing, hope, and beauty of God’s ‘Common Home’ being realised, revealed, and renewed through the birth of Jesus.

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