Advent2025_Dec3
Preparing the Way
Luke 1:14–17
God is always preparing hearts for His redeeming work.
When Gabriel describes the child who will soon be born to Zechariah and Elizabeth, his words overflow with hope. This child will bring “joy and gladness,” and “many will rejoice at his birth.” But the joy isn’t just because a long-awaited son will arrive, it’s because that son will be part of the long-awaited plan of salvation.
Gabriel explains that John “will be great before the Lord” and “filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.” That phrase alone would have stopped Zechariah in his tracks. The Holy Spirit hadn’t come upon someone like this since the days of the prophets! After four hundred years of silence, God’s Spirit is stirring again. The forerunner of the Messiah is being announced, and with him comes the dawn of a new era . . . the day of redemption is near!
John’s mission was clear: to turn hearts back to God. He would prepare the people for Jesus by calling them to repentance—to return, to soften, to be ready for the Lord’s arrival. Luke says John would go before the Lord “in the spirit and power of Elijah,” the prophet who once called Israel out of idolatry and back to covenant faithfulness. But John’s message wouldn’t be one of condemnation; it would be one of preparation. It’s a reminder that the God who keeps His promises is still at work, making a way for His salvation to be seen and received.
In every generation, God does this kind of work. He prepares hearts (in families, in churches, in whole communities) to welcome His truth and respond in faith. Advent reminds us that before God brings renewal, He often brings readiness. He softens hard hearts, awakens sleeping faith, and clears away the clutter so the King can enter.
___________
For Young Ones: Why do you think God wanted John to come before Jesus? What kind of work was John supposed to do?
For Older Ones: Where might God be preparing or softening your heart so you can follow Him more fully?
Pray: Lord, thank You for always preparing the way for Your work. Help us to listen to Your Word and make room for You in our hearts and homes.
Family Practice: Read Luke 1:76–79 together and thank God for sending people like John who point us to Jesus, the Light who guides our steps into peace.
Luke 1:14–17
God is always preparing hearts for His redeeming work.
When Gabriel describes the child who will soon be born to Zechariah and Elizabeth, his words overflow with hope. This child will bring “joy and gladness,” and “many will rejoice at his birth.” But the joy isn’t just because a long-awaited son will arrive, it’s because that son will be part of the long-awaited plan of salvation.
Gabriel explains that John “will be great before the Lord” and “filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.” That phrase alone would have stopped Zechariah in his tracks. The Holy Spirit hadn’t come upon someone like this since the days of the prophets! After four hundred years of silence, God’s Spirit is stirring again. The forerunner of the Messiah is being announced, and with him comes the dawn of a new era . . . the day of redemption is near!
John’s mission was clear: to turn hearts back to God. He would prepare the people for Jesus by calling them to repentance—to return, to soften, to be ready for the Lord’s arrival. Luke says John would go before the Lord “in the spirit and power of Elijah,” the prophet who once called Israel out of idolatry and back to covenant faithfulness. But John’s message wouldn’t be one of condemnation; it would be one of preparation. It’s a reminder that the God who keeps His promises is still at work, making a way for His salvation to be seen and received.
In every generation, God does this kind of work. He prepares hearts (in families, in churches, in whole communities) to welcome His truth and respond in faith. Advent reminds us that before God brings renewal, He often brings readiness. He softens hard hearts, awakens sleeping faith, and clears away the clutter so the King can enter.
___________
For Young Ones: Why do you think God wanted John to come before Jesus? What kind of work was John supposed to do?
For Older Ones: Where might God be preparing or softening your heart so you can follow Him more fully?
Pray: Lord, thank You for always preparing the way for Your work. Help us to listen to Your Word and make room for You in our hearts and homes.
Family Practice: Read Luke 1:76–79 together and thank God for sending people like John who point us to Jesus, the Light who guides our steps into peace.
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