Prepare the Way for the Lord

Christmas is almost here. Everywhere you look, there is excitement and activity. Families rush to buy new clothes, plan trips, and prepare the best food for celebrations. Homes shine with lights, laughter fills the rooms, and families coming home make everything feel festive. Yet in the middle of all this excitement, Christmas often becomes more about our own comfort, desires, and plans than about Jesus.

For many people, Christmas has become so busy that it draws attention away from God. Parties, alcohol, overspending, shopping, social media, and endless activities can dominate the season. Some skip church services or fellowship meetings because they feel too busy or prefer to focus on their own celebrations. When this happens, the heart of Christmas, the arrival of Jesus, the Savior who brings hope, forgiveness, and life, gets lost.

Behind all the lights, decorations, and cheerful music, countless people quietly long for something deeper. Many carries hidden loneliness, disappointment, or pain beneath the surface. People long for hope, purpose, forgiveness, and life that truly matters. Christmas invites us to pause and look deeper into our hearts. It is a time to ask God to examine us, to forgive us, and to give us the healing only He can provide.

Before Jesus began His ministry, God sent John the Baptist to prepare the people for Him. When a king travels, heralds ride ahead, shouting, “The king is coming! Clear the road! Clear the obstacles! Fill the potholes! Make way for his royal coming!” Workers pull rocks, level the ground, and bridge gaps so the procession can pass safely. In the same way, our hearts need obstacles removed so we can fully welcome Jesus. That is exactly what John did for Jesus. As a herald, standing in the wilderness, dressed in rough camel hair and eating locusts and honey, he preached with urgency: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2).

John’s message is simple but powerful. “Repent” means turning away from the things that separate us from God, selfishness, pride, and sin. The “kingdom of heaven” is not a far-off dream. It is God’s rule breaking into our lives through Jesus. Quoting Isaiah, John said: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight paths for Him” (Matthew 3:3; Isaiah 40:3). The King is coming, and hearts must be made ready.

So how do we prepare in a time that is so easily distracting? It all begins with repentance. Acts 3:19 reminds us: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.” Repentance is more than saying sorry. It is a complete turning away from anything that separates us from God.

Another way we prepare is through prayer and reflection. Luke 18:1 encourages us to pray continually. Prayer allows us to talk to God honestly, bring our worries and struggles to Him, and listen for His guidance. Reflection on Scripture helps us see God’s ways and align our lives with His truth. Reading and meditating on His Word clears confusion, strengthens faith, and reshapes our priorities.

Forgiveness is also essential. Ephesians 4:32 tells us: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Letting go of anger and resentment clears the heart for God’s love to flow freely.

Preparing for Christmas also means bearing fruit that proves repentance, just as John urged the crowds. He told them plainly, “Whoever has two shirts must share with the one who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise” (Luke 3:11). This practical obedience, serving the needy and loving others selflessly, echoes Jesus' words in Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Such acts clear selfishness from our hearts, making room for the King’s reign.

Gratitude and worship flow from this change, keeping our eyes on Christ alone. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 commands, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Thankfulness shifts our focus from holiday lacks to God's gifts in Jesus, while worship through song, prayer, or meditating on His birth story anchors us in the Savior's coming.

We also prepare by removing distractions. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Christmas today becomes so loud with social media, endless plans, and constant noise. Silence often feels uncomfortable, yet quiet moments with God allow Him to work in our hearts. Slowing down, unplugging, and creating space to reflect help us focus on what matters most.

All these steps - repentance, prayer, forgiveness, love, gratitude, worship, and quiet reflection - point to the same truth: Christmas is about more than lights, gifts, or parties. It is about the condition and readiness of our hearts. A heart full of distractions, pride, or selfishness cannot fully welcome Jesus. But a heart turned toward God becomes a place where He can enter, reign, and bring true hope, peace, and joy.

This Christmas, let John’s call be our guide: repent, prepare, and welcome the King fully. Make straight the paths in your heart. Let go of distractions, selfish desires, and bitterness. Open your heart to God through prayer, forgiveness, and love. When we do, hope floods in, forgiveness cleanses, purpose awakens, and life overflows with His presence. Christmas then becomes more than a holiday. It becomes a personal encounter with Jesus, the humble King, who comes to bring healing, restoration, and life that lasts forever.