Sketchy Advent 2: The path to peace
Luke 3:3-6
“And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,
'The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”
Luke 3:3-6 ESV
In the times of Isaiah the prophet (and even in the 1st century) there were very few paved roads. Most roads were instead dirty tracks with the more important having wagon tracks to help transport materials.
It was the job of the local people to keep these roads in good condition incase the king (or the neighbouring overloads) decided to pay a visit.
This is what John the Baptist did.
He smoothed the path for the coming king to come. But he didn’t do it by going into the hustle and bustle of the big cities. He did it in the wilderness.
The wilderness is an important theme in the Bible. It’s the place where so often God comes and encounters his people.
Moses
The Israelites
Elijah
And many more
Even Jesus withdrew regularly to the wilderness to pray and speak with God.
In this festive season, we can feel extra stress due to work, family, community and church involvements — or is that just me! But it’s important to prepare ourselves for the comming of Christ. To withdraw into our own wilderness (even if its just our bedroom behind a closed door).
When we do, we meet the prince of peace and bring that peace with us.
Application: Making paths of peace
Take a moment to withdraw to a personal wilderness (could be a quiet part of your home, maybe a secluded spot near your house). Spend some time with God in prayer. Maybe there’s some other areas of your life you need to “make straight” for Christ to come? A friend to reconcile with? A burden to leave?
Prayer
(Suggestion: Light the second Advent candle for peace as you pray.)
God of Peace, guide us through this Advent season with the wisdom of your Word and the spirit of John the Baptist. Help us clear the way for Your peace to enter our hearts and homes. Inspire us to create paths of reconciliation and unity, spreading the peace of Christ in every interaction. Amen.
Thank you for joining me in this sketchy advent devotional. See you next week as we light the Candle of Joy.
Blessings,
Chris
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