Mark 3:1
John 14:27

Webster defines peace as “harmony, concord, serenity, calm or quiet, free from conflict.” Does that describe your home during December? Not mine and probably not yours! We spend a lot of time preparing. There is the shopping, the decorating, the cards, the baking, the parties, and etc., etc., etc. We spend an inordinate amount of time preparing for the festivities surrounding Christmas Day, but, in reality, not much time “preparing the way of the Lord.” What does that mean anyway?

John the Baptist came to “prepare the way of the Lord.” He cried out to the people to make their paths straight, to repent, to be baptized, and to live holy lives devoted to God. He exhorted them to turn from their sinful lives and return to God. We as Christians are called to take on this task and declare the good news to the entire world. We are to follow in John’s footsteps and “prepare the way of the Lord.” This is not an easy task and it is often met with resistance, but it is a task worth doing.

What are you doing to “prepare the way of the Lord?” During this Advent season take some time away from the hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas Day and spend some time preparing for Christ’s coming. Spend time in his presence and experience the peace that comes from knowing God, meditating on His word, and listening for his voice. Consider what you need to turn over to him, to confess, to let go of, so that your heart can be at peace. We experience peace when our hearts and minds are clear and ready to receive what God has to give us, his son.

“ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27).