Session 5

We’re called to prepare

From A Celebration of Advent: A 25-Day Devotional

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When a party starts and we hear all the laughing and singing, we realize that the planning, shopping, cleaning, and arranging was all worth it. John the Baptist’s role was not the most glamorous, but God gave him the special purpose of preparing the way for the Messiah. Filled with the Holy Spirit, John preached repentance and spoke boldly to prepare people’s hearts to receive the soon-coming king.

“And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, ‘What then will this child be?’ For the hand of the Lord was with him.” - Luke 1:65-66

When we take time to prepare our hearts, Christmas goes from just another stressful event to the most beautiful celebration of God’s saving work. During Advent, we slow down, fix our eyes on Jesus, consider his incarnation, and look forward to His return. May this Christmas be different as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the arrival of King Jesus.

REFLECT:

How can we prepare our hearts to experience the most from this Christmas season?
How are the daily practices of prayer and bible reading helping to prepare your heart for what Jesus wants to do through you?

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