Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!

      Zacharias was old.  He has faithfully served the Lord as a priest for most of his life. Because his wife Elizabeth had been unable to bear a child, the temple had been where he had poured his energy and passion.  But things were about to change. 

            The angel Gabriel, who stands in the very presence of God, had been sent to speak to him. He had told Zacharias that the time was ready for the coming of Messiah, and that Elizabeth would have a baby who would prepare the hearts of the people to receive Him.

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways; to give His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.”  Luke 1:76-77

            Zacharias was standing in the temple of the Most High God, before the altar, talking with an angel.  You’d think this would be proof enough that this would really happen.  But Zacharias and Elizabeth are old, and Zacharias had a hard time believing that this can be possible.  Because of his disbelief, and perhaps as proof of the truth of the prophecy, Zacharias is struck dumb until the baby is born and named.  After the birth of John, Zacharias’ tongue is loosed, and the first words out of his mouth are praise to God, and then a prophecy of what was about to come;

            “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people…”

            About the baby, John, Zacharias was very specific; this baby would grow up to prepare the way and the hearts of the people for Messiah.  He would give the people knowledge of salvation by forgiveness of their sins.  John preached repentance.  By the time Jesus began His ministry John had shown them their sinfulness and need for a savior.

            This is our job, today.  With the advent of Christmas we have a unique opportunity to prepare the way of the Lord.  While Jesus has already come, for some the only time He enters their consciousness is at Christmas through TV specials and carols on the radio.  For them, Jesus is coming.  We need to prepare the way, to help them understand their sinfulness, their need for redemption, and the gift of grace.  While we know that the Holy Spirit is the one who convicts of sin and draws men to salvation, we are to be ready with an answer for the hope that we own and live.  At Christmas we have an open opportunity, unlike any other time of year, to share faith.  We need to live the difference salvation makes. 

May hope, peace and grace ever be on my lips and visible in my life.