Mark 1:3

Advent reminds us that the rewards of a faithful life come after the life well lived, victory is proceeded by a battle; and after the long night of weeping, joy comes in the morning. The Apostle Paul encourages us to “press on for the prize.” The journey to Heaven is not smooth sailing, but upon arrival we will say, “It was worth it all.”

Zacharias was a priest who was on Temple duty. While he was there, Gabriel appeared before him with the news that his prayer was answered, and that he and Elizabeth would have a son named John.

It was not likely that Zacharias was praying for a son since the Bible says that he and Elizabeth were well advanced in years. As priest his responsibility was to be in prayer for the salvation of the people. He had no idea that God would answer his prayer in this manner.

The prophets had told of one who would come to prepare the way of the Lord; and now, Zacharias was told that their son would be that one. This is an important part of the Advent story because if there is no John, then there is no Jesus.

The baby was born, and he was named John. Later he would become a hard-shell preacher who said things that were tough to hear, but if the people were going to be prepared to welcome the Lord into their lives, they needed to hear his words.

It would be nice (we may think) if the gospel could only be as comfortable as a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and sleeping in a manger. However, John must come first to remind us that with this great gift of God comes responsibility to turn from our sins and seek the way of the Lord.

Are you, am I, prepared to see our Savior face to face? Have we repented of our sin, and said “yes” to the Gospel? Grace does not skip past repentance; grace makes it possible for us to repent. Advent is Zacharias’ son growing up to say to all of us, “Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for him!” Mark 1:3