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Yemen for Christ Church
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Prepare the Way

The Second Sunday of Advent.

“A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’”

Isaiah 40:3

This week's reading: Isaiah 40:1–11; Mark 1:1–8.

Reflection

When a Yemeni household learns that a dear guest is coming, everything changes. The courtyard is swept, the sitting room is set in order, incense fills the air and the coffee is ready before the guest knocks at the door. The family do not do this to earn the visit. They do it because they are glad the guest is coming.

Notice how this chapter of Isaiah begins: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” (Isaiah 40:1) God begins with comfort before he asks for anything. Then comes the call: prepare the way of the Lord.

When John the Baptist came before Jesus, he prepared the way for him by calling people to repentance (see Mark 1:4). Repentance does not mean beating yourself up, or becoming perfect before you come to God. Repentance means turning back to him, and clearing from the path whatever keeps you from welcoming him.

We do not prepare the way so that God will love us. He loved us first and came to us in Christ (see 1 John 4:19). We are opening the door to a guest who came of his own accord, by a grace we do not deserve.

A question to reflect on

What is standing between your heart and God today: a habit, bitterness or fear?

This week's step

This week, confess to God in prayer one thing you need to turn away from, and ask him to help you. This is between you and God, and you do not have to tell anyone about it.

Prayer

Lord, you began with comfort before you asked anything of me. Thank you for coming to me in your mercy. Search my heart, and remove from it whatever blocks your way. Give me true repentance and joy in your forgiveness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Next Step

Next Sunday, 13 December: “Nothing Is Impossible with God”.

And if you would like us to pray for you this season, send us a prayer request. A pseudonym is enough.

Scripture quotations are from the English Standard Version (ESV).