This month has brought a plethora of preparation.
We’ve prepared for family gatherings, getting groceries and setting up decorations.
We’ve prepared gifts and goodies to deliver to our friends and neighbors.
We’ve prepared to make room for silent nights when we’ve needed to step back from the seasonal bustle.
We’ve also been preparing the way for Christ to rule in our own hearts this Christmas. And today, we see a period of waiting turned to celebration in the birth and ministry of John the Baptist.
John was a close relative of Jesus, born to Elizabeth and Zechariah, a priest of Judea. He was prophesied about in the book of Isaiah, a man who would go and prepare people’s hearts for the coming King. He preached a new way of living, repentance, and a baptism into God’s kingdom. He pointed those on the lookout to their Savior.
After millennia of preparation and watching for the promised Messiah, John the Baptist ushered in God’s restoration plan ahead of Jesus’s public ministry. And to think we just wait a few weeks for Christmas Day!
What must it have been like for Elizabeth and Zechariah to wait for the arrival of their son! Nine months of readying for a boy to be born beyond the limitations of child-bearing age and then waiting while he grew into a man who would make a way for the Messiah.
How they must have celebrated this honor, rejoicing in the God who saw them and chose them to carry and raise the prophet who would point to Jesus! Yes, it was a long wait, but it was well worth it.
As he grew in the desert, John became “strong in spirit,” growing into his calling (Luke 1:80). People watched and waited to see what this man would do. His job was to prepare the way for the One who was coming—prepping hearts, baptizing with water, and preaching repentance and the coming kingdom of God. His life reflected an obedience to the God he clearly believed in. He knew his role and ran with it, eyes fixed ahead and heart unmovable.
Where might we be called to prepare the way of Jesus to those around us? As we celebrate Christmas and the coming of Jesus, we, too, are in a position to preach the kingdom already come to a weary world waiting for hope, the hope that’s found in Christ our King. Remember what the waiting felt like for you before you heard the beautiful truth of Jesus? Many still wait, watching. Let’s be the bridge that connects longing hearts to Immanuel, God with us. The way is already prepared.
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105 thoughts on "Christmas Eve: The Way Is Prepared"
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The way is prepared!
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Amen
Amen! ❤️
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Lord God, thank you for sending your one true perfect son to be one of us. I wish I was of that time so that I I could witness the discipleship and teachings. What gives me hope is the type of ordinary people He would surround himself with. Imperfect in every way but perfectly imperfect—-each with a unique character decided by God. I’m sitting here on Christmas Eve reflecting on the true reason for Christmas and feel so hopeful moving forward. Lord, please hear my prayers and my thanksgiving. Help me be a light to others to bring them to Jesus in all that I do. Jesus is the reason for the season and the grace and forgiveness we each receive. Amen.
Merry Christmas Eve!
This really encouraged me today! John knew his role was to prepare the way and point people to Jesus, and it made me reflect on where I might be called to do the same. As a shy person, I struggle with this. As we celebrate Christ’s coming, I’m reminded that many are still waiting for hope, and we get to be part of connecting hearts to Immanuel, God with us.
Merry Christmas Eve dear shes. We got snow and the roads are slippery. My husband has to go to work till midnight today and we have family flying in tomorrow at the airport. Amen to the plethora of preparations. But God. Renew our minds, Lord. Where we have been hurried, teach us to rest. Where we have been distracted, draw our focus back to You. Where we have been holding tightly to old ways, help us trust You enough to let go. May the light of Christ shine in our hearts and homes tonight. Fill us with gratitude, deepen our faith, and remind us that You are still making all things new… starting with us. Be blessed dear sisters.
Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas!
I had never listened to Handel’s Messiah in its entirety (2+ hours) so am doing this today. Found a recorded performance on YouTube and on a separate device following the lyrics (Haven Today came up on my search for lyrics and also gives the backstory).
Handel’s friend, Charles Jennens, had arranged the biblical texts—presenting the entire Christian message. Amazingly Handel wrote all of this music in 3 weeks, barely eating or sleeping!
B- my mom used to play Handel’s Messiah every Christmas in our house growing up! The entire thing. It really is beautiful!
Merry Christmas Sisters❤️
I am so grateful we have this amazing story of Gods love for us! And his fulfillment of promises!
Merry Christmas all ❤️ I usually read the physical copy but in the business of the holiday – phone it is. What a blessing to have this this advent season!
The King is Coming!
Happy birthday REYNA!❤️
Merry Christmas Eve ladies! Thankful that Jesus humbled himself to come as a lowly baby in a manger so that he was accessible to everyone. Poor or rich, Jew or Gentile. He came for each of us! That is the true gift!
Merry Christmas Eve! Thank you for this reminder
Today is my 33rd birthday! Thank you Lord for allowing me to reach this day. Thank you for all that you do!
Happy birthday, Reyna!
Happy Birthday!!
Happy birthday Reyna❤️
Happy birthday!! ❤️
Happy Birthday❣️
Happy Birthday Reyna!
Amen
I love that: “Let’s be the bridge that connects longing hearts to Immanuel, God with us.” Abba, help me to be bold each time the door is oen for the mystery of the gospel to be shared. Amen
Good morning and Merry Christmas Eve from sunny….wait…from a VERY wet and stormy,severe high wind weather California! All of California, not just us in NorCal. Weirdly, the sound of the wind and rain soothed me to sleep. Loved, loved, loved this study. My only wish is that my Winter break would of started sooner to enjoy an UNrushed quiet time next to the our Christmas tree, BUT still grateful I did get a few days, and still up before everyone and still enjoying a quiet house. What stood out to me this morning was Elizabeth’s response, “No. He will be called John.” AND I love even more that when they asked her husband he said the same thing! Backing her up! Women were important to God! YOU She’s are important to God! I love you all VERY much and so blessed to share another Advent study with you all. Please pray for my health, I think going, going, going and around little ones coughing and sneezing on me has me at the start of a cold. My adult kids and I have a Christmas Eve tradition where we go see the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” and hoping I’m not coughing. Then followed by Christmas Eve service.
I love it a wonderful life.. definitely a Christmas classic..
Merry Christmas Mari..❤️
What a task bestowed to John and his parents. To be so bold and confident in their faith to know it to be true, to be obedient in their words and actions and to be diligent in raising their son in the way they needed to to fulfill the calling on his life. They were prepared. They made their relationship with God, their faith a priority so they were eqipped and did not miss what they were called to. I (we) need to be prepared too so we don’t miss the opportunity to be that bridge to proclaim the Truth and Hope of Jesus, the Way that has already been prepared. This time is a beautiful time reach out to those around us and point them the One who has prepared the way.
Yesterday I had a much sooner than expected call, and good news from my oncologist with CT scan results. PTL, there has been no change in the tumor sizes since Sept. After the uncertainty of the last 3 months, he has moved me back to stable status, waiting and watching, and recommends to continue holding off on treatment at this time. The timing is really quite something as it was four years ago yesterday, that a nearly impossible, miraculous surgery and very skilled doctors saved my life. This date is always very sobering and reflective for me. The call on this day in particular feels very redemptive – a reminder of God’s faithful care, His mighty hand at work, that His plans are Sovereign. I was talking this through with a friend and she shared this thought with me. “Redemption days are good. God is rewriting the narrative. It could’ve been last week, 5 days from now, but he chose THIS day to be the day for a call. The enemy has been put on notice that God’s plans for you are more powerful than his.” And so, all praise to the Lord for His abundant kindness, and the many ways His hand has been at work. Thank you friends for praying.❤️
‘It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your loving kindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.’ Psalm 92:1–2
Christmas Eve Blessings my friends. ❤️
Rejoice! Rejoice!
So thankful for your good report Wendy
Oh Wendy..I am rejoicing and PTL with you!! Your post is just so good on the devotional! It made me think of “the way” differently and more important for myself. And your reflection on the “redemption days’ is also beautiful! I keep asking the Lord for ME to remember and retain such wisdom when I am with a group teaching or just in simple random conversations, or in my letters to butterflies! Concise and Impactful!! Yes, Lord, let it be! But I trust in you Lord, to use me with how you knit me! lol.
Praise the Lord for your good news!
So grateful to hear your good news Wendy! Merry Christmas!
Wendy, what absolute praise wirthy testimony.. God is so good..
It is good to give Himthanks and praise..❤️
Oh, Wendy! Ptaising God with you for His loving care! Now that’s a Christmas blessing! ❤
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow❤️
PTL Wendy. What great news! There are no coincidences, only God-incidences:)
I’m rejoicing with you Wendy! Praise the Lord for His
wonderful timing of the call!
Praise the Lord for your excellent report! Praying for your complete healing every day, dear friend! ❤️
Praising God with you for the good report and His amazing Redemption day timing of delivery! What a sweet Christmas gift!
Thank you all so very much. Your encouragement and prayers are an incredible blessing and support❤️
Merry Christmas She Sisters! ❤️
Merry Christmas Martha..❤️
Merry Christmas, sisters ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Merry Christmas Makenzie..❤️
“Where might we be called to prepare the way of Jesus to those around us? As we celebrate Christmas and the coming of Jesus, we, too, are in a position to preach the kingdom already come to a weary world waiting for hope, the hope that’s found in Christ our King…
Let’s be the bridge that connects longing hearts to Immanuel, God with us. The way is already prepared.” Amen, Sarah Freymuth!
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Love, hugs, and prayers! May each of us prepare our hearts to rightfully worship Him.
Love you, my SRT sisters, and all that you bring to my life daily!
MERRY CHRISTMAS, Shes, and SHE READS TRUTH STAFF! ❤
I want to be a bridge!!!
Merry Christmas Cee-Gee..❤️2❤️
Merry Christmas, Tina! ❤2❤- I love that!
I love the idea of being a bridge❤️
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Merry Christmas Cee Gee!
Praying for all my sisters here whose circumstances are not “merry and bright” to experience the Lord’s presence and love throughout these holidays. You are seen and you are loved!
Grammie, with you in prsyers for our sisters..
Much love..❤️
Tina, you have a great influence with all of us here! God bless you as you keep letting your light shine for Him. Merry Christmas!
Smen❤️
Amen! ❤️
Amen
The way is already prepared. Amen. ❤️ Merry Christmas everyone!
GM ladies. This may sound funny but my husband was gifted a “nun” by a friend of ours. Basically he has been paired with a sister who he corresponds with (snail mail) and she keeps him in her prayers. We had the privilege of meeting her last month, a lovely young girl in her 30s. I wanted to share part of what she wrote in her Christmas card to us. “I’ve been reflecting on the grotto in Bethlehem, the empty space used as a stable for the animals, that became the place Jesus chose to enter into our world and make Himself known to us. We too are called to recognize our emptiness, our need for Him, to come and transform us with His presence. When we can welcome Him and make room for His plans, everything changes and what seems to be ordinary or undesirable can become life-giving. It is in our need that His graces works and we can recognize Him more clearly.” Merry Christmas Eve to all of you!
Love this
Thanks for sharing this. That is a great analogy.
What a beautiful insight, shared with love. Thank you for sharing your (your husband’s) gift with us.
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Merry Christmas!
That along with Sarah’s devo brought to mind one of my newr favorite Christmas songs: Make Room in You Heart by Cadting Crowns:
“Is there room in your heart?
Is there room in your heart?
Is there room in your heart
For God to write His story?”
Thank you for sharing ❤️
What a beautiful share, Tami.. thank you..
Much love..❤️
“Let’s be the bridge that connects longing hearts to Immanuel, God with us. The way is already prepared.”
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Thank You, Jesus, for preparing the way to eternity with the Father. May we be lights/signs pointing those still in darkness to the bridge that You built with Your sacrifice ✝️
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May you all have a Spirit-Filled Christmas Eve/Day
Amen… my ♥️cry, too…!
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Amen, Kelly.❤️
The wait is never wasted! The promise always comes!
Merry Christmas Eve, sisters! May we find peace and joy in the waiting and birth of our Lord, Jesus! Immanuel— God is with us!
Amen! ❤
Praying, sisters, for a blessed and safe Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, for peace in each of our families and all others.
Amen! ❤
Amen, Searching..❤️
Amen. Come Jesus come!
Merry Christmas SRT Sisters!!
Praying God’s richest blessings on your celebrations and that we can be a voice in the weary, waiting world to point people (family and strangers!!) to Jesus – the Lamb of God, Light of the world and our only hope of salvation!!
It’s always sad to see the season of Advent end. But it doesn’t have to! By sharing the love of Christ and the reason for His first coming – it can continue year round.
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My desire is to be “in a position to preach the kingdom already come, and of a hope that’s found in Christ our King.”
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I pray that in this new year, God will give me boldness to speak the truth in love and to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Please pray with me for Denise, Patty, Vicky, Jen, Juan – employees of Shoprite; Nick & Lucille – my elderly neighbors and Chris – my chiropractor, that I baked cookies for and shared the gospel with in a Christmas letter.
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@Martha Hix – praying that you arrived safely and that you have a wonderful visit with your family.
@Lynn from Alabama – Praying for you as you celebrate your first Christmas without Jack.
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Happy Christmas Eve!
SHARON, praying hearts will receive the ultimate Gift.
Absolutely Praying for and with you for your gospel share to be received in much the same way as the
gifts of cookies..
All Gods children need feeding both physically and spiritually. Praying your words reach deep into the belly of their souls.. Amen❤️
Praying for seeds to sprout Sharon!
Thank you, sweet friend! Praying for those you shared the Gospel with. ❤️
When I am at my local grocery store, I think of you and your heart for your checkers/baggers. I said something (I can’t even remember what it was) the other day to one of my regular checkers and somehow she got it immediately, and her manager was bagging, and she said—yeah, I never work on Sundays, everyone knows that I am at church on that day. We kept talking about that and I could tell the manager was not a believer—but I was believing at that moment some seeds were being planted. Now when I see him every week, I wonder if he will be a believer one day! There are lost all around us, may we be bold in always sharing!
I love your message of carrying the season of advent into 2026!
Yes, me too! I had decided that was going to be my focus in leading the jail ministry into the new year, for us to carry on the meaning of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love—HOW that is transforming in our walk and how we act and behave! When we know he came for us and is indeed coming again…it changes everything! Even in the worst circumstances!!
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❤ Praying with you on the reception of the gospel message!
Thank you, Sharon! I arrived safely!
I’m praying for your requests as well!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!❤️
Praying for all those that you baked for and witnessed to❤️
May we grow “strong in Spirit”. May I walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Holy Spirit show me. Bring people or open my eyes, time and resources to those around me. Use me Lord. Thank you for the privilege. Amen
To be John was powerful.
As I was doing my reading, I was struck at Elizabeth’s boldness for declaring that her baby’s name was to be John. Considering the culture of that time, it could have been seen as a very disrespectful move . In reality, it was a bold act of faith and trust in God.
Zachariah is verifying that the boy’s name was
And God knew that she would have to be bold as Zechariah was mute. He trusted that she would be faithful despite the cultural constraints on women
That jumped off the page at me today, too! ❤
That stood out to me as well. I have read the Bible since i was a child and i love how new things are shown each time.
What a beautiful Advent season my heart is full.