Preparing the Way

 “I will send my messenger ahead of you,

    who will prepare your way”

 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,

    make straight paths for him.

Isaiah 40:3

Sunday after Sunday 12-year-old Amy came down the center aisle of the church and sat in the second row from the front. One Sunday she brought an older woman, her, grandmother. Sunday after Sunday they came. One Sunday they brought an older man, Amy's grandfather. After church one Sunday Amy's grandmother said her husband had never been baptized. We agreed on a Sunday for his baptism. On that day Amy's grandfather stood before the congregation, said the vows and was baptized. After the service I learned that Amy's grandfather couldn't read and had memorized the vows so he would know when to answer and what to say.

Amy came looking for hope. Something beyond the darkness of the poverty she lived in, a jailed mother, and an absent father. 

Just like Amy, aren't we looking for hope. Something beyond the darkness of this winter's  pandemic, rising unemployment, and increased food insecurity. Something beyond the darkness and disruption of the "new normal".

A word of hope to the Israelites came in the messenger of John the Baptizer. He comes to the people "living in the land of deep darkness" preaching a message of hope by saying, "Prepare the way of the Lord." Repent. Be baptized. "One more powerful than I is coming after me." 

He is able to preach that message of hope because it is grounded in God’s faithfulness. That's why it's true, and real, and solid, something to ground you in the weeks and months ahead.

In the midst of darkness, light breaks in. In the midst of despair, hope erupts. After long waiting, a branch will sprout. The complete fulfillment of God’s promises has not yet happened, but it is coming. 

God promises light beyond darkness and God keeps promises.