As we approach the Christmas holidays, many of us have made plans to prepare for the occasion. In some houses, Christmas trees and decor have already been set. The “last minute “ decor group will also be waiting for December 20th to bring out their Christmas decorations. Whatever your stand is, the spirit of Christmas seems to put a sense of urgency and preparedness in most of us. Some have already made plans for the menu for their Christmas meals. Yet, for many people, the reason for this season is no longer important to them. Christmas is no longer about the celebration of the birth of a Saviour but a moment of shopping, decorating, partying and connecting with family and friends. As we make way and prepare for the celebration, I am reminded of a moment in history when humanity was called out to make a way for the Saviour of the world.
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. (Isaiah 40:3)
In Isaiah 40, the prophet made a declaration of comfort to the people of God. In this declaration, the prophet cried out, “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” (Isaiah 40:1). These words of comfort were an assurance of victory and redemption for the people. In verse 3-5, the prophet says, “A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” These prophetic words were held in high esteem as the people eagerly waited for their Lord, their comforter, the one who will straighten the path and make a people ready for their Lord. This expectation was held so high for 100s of years.
While the people of Israel continued to be oppressed under Roman rule, a prophet emerged known as John. One whose conception and birth were known miracles. John went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:3). Matthew's account put it this way: “This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ” (Matthew 3:3). John's mandate was to make a way for the one who will bring redemption. Many people went to John to be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. Among John's audience were Pharisees, Sadducees, tax collectors, soldiers among many other people. John warned the people to change their evil ways in preparation for the one that comes after him. He said,
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Matthew 3:11-12).
Even with this detailed information concerning the one to bring redemption, most of John's audience missed it when Jesus appeared in the scene and began His ministry. The Pharisees and Sadducees played a major role in the condemnation and the death of the one they had been waiting for all their lives. Jesus did not fit into their description of a political figure and they ended up causing the death of the one they had waited for all their lives. What was the reason? The people failed to see the Saviour from God’s perspective. They considered that the Saviour would be a warrior who would overthrow their enemies and rule Israel. With this wrong assumption, the people to be saved ended up conniving with their own enemies to crucify their Saviour. Little did they know that death was part of God's plan for redemption.
As we prepare and make arrangements for Christmas, may we not miss the real reason for the season. Let's make way for the message of salvation and reconciliation. Let's use every opportunity to make Jesus known. Christmas should be a reflection of our faith and hope.
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