Advent Devotionals

Matthew 3:1-12 - “Prepare the way!

For the Yamo family, Thanksgiving is the time that we step over the threshold into the wonder of our Christmas season. Out comes the Christmas decorations that have been stored away for the past 11 months. We have to clear the way for all the Christmas decor. There’s our Christmas tree and the ornaments. the Christmas music on the radio, the Manger scene, the Advent log, the egg nog, the 13 Christmas stockings for our whole family and even a Christmas sweater for our new Mini-goldendoodle puppy. It’s my favorite time of the year. Hands down!! I love it when every year we prepare our home for Christmas.

But I also love the season of Advent. Advent is the time that we’re given the invitation to prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus’ birth in the stable in Bethlehem. It’s the time that we can clear out all the distractions that keep us from opening our hearts to Jesus’ miraculous birth through the virgin Mary. In Matthew 3:3 the Bible says…”He is the voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”

Just like how we had to clear out all the clutter to make room for the Christmas decor in our house, John the Baptist was saying…”Clear out all the clutter in your life. Get rid of all the obstacles that get in the way of your heart being able to receive the wonderful gift of Jesus.” Is your heart cluttered with anxiety and worry…Focus on Jesus and his faithfulness. Is your mind filled with deadlines, expectations and unending goals to be achieved…Give the weight of life's demands to Jesus and let him help you carry the load. Ask the Lord to show you the clutter in your own heart and clear the road for Jesus this Advent season!! God bless you and your family during this Advent season.