Sometimes the most important work in God’s story doesn’t come with fanfare. It doesn’t make headlines. It doesn’t show up on Instagram. And yet, without it, everything that follows would be impossible. That’s the role John the Baptist played in the story of Jesus’ arrival. And it’s a role that can teach us something vital about the way God prepares hearts today.
John didn’t just appear out of nowhere. He was the culmination of centuries of waiting, prophecy, and preparation. From the earliest promises in Genesis to Isaiah’s vision of a light breaking into darkness, God was orchestrating the story. And John’s life reminds us that sometimes preparation is as holy as the miracle itself.
The Voice in the Wilderness
When we read about John, one word stands out: wilderness.
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord…’” — Isaiah 40:3, quoted in Matthew 3:3
The wilderness is not a place of comfort. It’s not cozy. It’s not convenient. It’s often harsh, lonely, and challenging. But it is the place where God shapes character, clarifies purpose, and prepares the way for His glory. John’s entire ministry began in the wilderness, preaching repentance and pointing toward the Messiah.
That’s the first thing John teaches us: God often uses the spaces we’d rather avoid to prepare us and those around us for what’s coming. The wilderness of our past hurts, unanswered prayers, and daily struggles is not wasted. God is refining, directing, and preparing us, even when it doesn’t feel glamorous.
Repentance: A Pathway, Not a Punishment
John’s central message was repentance—not guilt, not shame, but turning toward God and away from what separates us from Him. Repentance isn’t a punishment; it’s a path. It’s the clearing of the way for something new to enter.
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” — Matthew 3:2
Before Jesus could begin His public ministry, hearts needed to be prepared. Before joy could arrive, there needed to be readiness. John’s mission was to make the people aware of what blocked them from fully receiving the Messiah: sin, distraction, and misplaced hope.
We can apply that today. Advent is not just about Christmas decorations or church services. It’s about preparing our hearts. What do we need to turn away from? What are the obstacles in our lives that keep us from experiencing God’s fullness? What sins, fears, or doubts can we lay aside so we’re ready for the light?
Courage to Speak Truth
John’s life wasn’t easy. He lived simply, ate simply, and spoke boldly. He challenged leaders, confronted hypocrisy, and pointed people back to God. He didn’t sugarcoat his message to make it more popular. He spoke the truth because it was needed.
Advent calls us, in a small way, to the same courage. Sometimes preparing the way for Jesus in our own lives means facing uncomfortable truths: in ourselves, in our relationships, or even in our communities. But that courage doesn’t rely on us—it relies on the One we point toward.
Pointing to Jesus, Not to Self
The beauty of John’s ministry is that it was never about him. He didn’t seek glory or power. He repeatedly said:
“He must become greater; I must become less.” — John 3:30
This is the heart of Advent: decreasing our distractions, decreasing our control, and increasing space for Christ to come in. Like John, our role is not to fix everything, but to prepare the way—through prayer, obedience, reflection, and generosity of spirit—so that God’s work can shine clearly.
The Dawn of Redemption
John lived in anticipation of something bigger than himself, bigger than the people around him, bigger than the political turmoil of his day. And that anticipation wasn’t passive. It was active. It was diligent. It required focus, faith, and persistence.
Advent invites us to live the same way. While the world rushes toward lights, presents, and events, we are called to anticipate the true miracle: God Himself stepping into our world. Our preparation may be quiet, unseen, or even inconvenient—but it matters. Just as John prepared the hearts of Israel, our preparation matters because God is coming.
The dawn of redemption isn’t only a historical event; it’s a present reality. Each act of repentance, each moment of honesty, each effort to clear away distractions opens the way for God to break through in our hearts, families, communities, and world.
A Simple Advent Practice This Week
Take a moment this weekend to reflect on John’s call:
- Identify one place in your life that needs clearing—an attitude, fear, distraction, or pattern of sin.
- Offer it to God in prayer.
- Actively do something tangible to make space for Him—write a note of reconciliation, volunteer, spend extra time in Scripture, or commit to a meaningful act of service.
Remember: preparation is sacred. It is holy. It is the work that makes room for the miracle of Christmas.
Advent is the season that teaches us waiting is not wasted, preparation is not pointless, and light always comes into darkness. John the Baptist reminds us that even the quietest voice, even the humblest act of obedience, can prepare the world—or our hearts—for the glory of God.
And the glory was coming.
And the light was breaking in.
And Jesus—the promised Messiah—was about to arrive.
Pastor Tricia's Ramblings 
Leave a comment