Light the pathway
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Isaiah 40:3
We’re in the season of Advent–as I write this message on the second Sunday of Advent, I’m in the stages of preparation for the coming of our Lord. Are you preparing as well?
Historically, the commemoration of Advent (preparation for Christmas) dates back to fifth century Rome. The sermons of Leo I focused on the coming of Christ and advocated a winter fast of three days. In the sixth century, the Synod of Tours assigned three times of intensified fasting for monks: Lent, a period following Pentecost and the month of December up to Christmas. In 581, a church council instituted a fast of 40 days before Christmas to prepare spiritually for the coming of the Christ (logos.com).
While I’m aware of the need for heightened soberness and awareness as we celebrate the birth of our Savior and I understand how fasting assists us in being more focused on the gift of love granted to us through the birth of Jesus, I’m really, REALLY glad that the custom of fasting for 40 days is not a ritual we practice today. If you are like me, much of your family fellowship at Christmas centers around the dinner table, sharing food and love with family.
Last week’s blog reminded us to Be Ready! In this time of preparation for our returning Master, we are to be attentive to our assigned tasks and be watchful that the deceiver doesn’t turn us away from God.
The second week of Advent reminds us of the prophecies that foretold the coming of our Lord.
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way–a voice of one calling in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” Mark 1:1-3
John the Baptist worked to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus. He reminded them:
After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Mark 1:7
There are many ways to prepare for the coming of our Lord, but today I’m recalling a special memory of two mentors that shaped my spiritual life.
When my husband and I first started attending our church more than 30 years ago, everyone was very welcoming, but one couple really stood out. They helped us comfortably weave into the fabric of a working, service oriented church. They were the lights that helped us traverse the pathway of joining a new church family, while growing in our faith.
These two wonderful children of God were awesome role models. Their dedication exemplified faith in action as they:
- Visited the sick and hurting
- Led our food ministry
- Warmly welcomed all visitors
- Invited us to Sunday School and other events at church
- Gave us opportunities to participate (but weren’t “pushy”)
- Always worked behind the scenes to keep our church running smoothly
- Modeled humbleness and kindness
- Lived a life which showed their dedication to Christ
So…I am compelled to ask myself…
Am I assisting in preparing the way for our Lord’s coming? Do I serve as a light for the pathway that leads others to Jesus? Am I a mentor for young Christians? (remember that “young” Christian doesn’t refer to how old we are, but to the maturity of our faith). For those just beginning their journey with Christ, positive role models are essential.
What about you?
As Christmas approaches, this is an ideal time for us to examine our actions–do others see us as positive role models? In spite of the stress of the season, do we behave with gentleness, generosity and compassion?
Do we exemplify the Fruit of the Spirit? (Galatians 5:22-23).
Is your light shining? Could there be a better time (lights are everywhere in celebration of the coming of the Messiah) to have the Light of Jesus shine from us into others!
I so want to be the kind of light you talk about in this article.
Your mentor story beautifully explained, though, it’s not so much DOING as BEING. They exemplified love, service, caring, and being aware of needs around them.
Those traits were displayed by Jesus in His ministry and it is a great reminder to let His light shine through us!
You are absolutely right, Barb. I love how you express the reality of BEING a light. When the Light of Jesus shines through us to others, it is more than just doing–it is BEING an extension of His love through our loving and caring for others. Merry Christmas!
Thanks a lot, Katherine, for stepping on my toes yet again in one of your posts! I didn’t like reading this sentence: “In spite of the stress of the season, do we behave with gentleness, generosity and compassion?” because, just this evening, after a long and busy day trying to help my daughter with two Nutcracker performances where she is an assistant dance teacher, I found myself being rude to the drive-through little fellow because he dared to charge me 54 cents when I asked for my sauce on the side instead of on my sandwich. Though I still think that was pretty ridiculous, I let the stress of a busy day of two Nutcracker performances turn me into a person who didn’t behave with gentleness …. for less than three quarters out of my pocket!! Thanks for the reminder, Katherine, and I’ll try to do a better job of letting His light shine through me next time!
Oh, Julie–you are so tough on yourself! I can imagine your exhaustion and stress. In fact, since were are in the final week of our play rehearsals in advance of our Dinner Theater performances on Friday and Saturday nights (and I am stressed!), I feel your pain. I will pray for us–that we can be loving to others this time, especially during all the additional stressors and frustrations this “season of love” tosses at us. Wishing you blessings, love, and peace during this Christmas season.
Please know this Ms. Katherine. You are that light my friend. In the words of your devotions, articles, Bible studies, and blog posts, you shine the light of God’s kingdom and love into this darkened world my friend. I was reminded by an earlier blog post that even if we place our light under a lampshade (or a basket), it is still a light. It still shines. I have come to accept that sometimes my light shines much brighter than others; yet I thank God each day He gives me an opportunity to be light. The length of the shadows we cast with God’s light may vary due to conditions. All we can do is remain prepared to shine. For when the conditions are right, we’ll bring the glory to God’s kingdom He has made each of us for. Thank you for bringing your light into my life this year ma’am. God’s blessings.
Thank you, J.D. You, my friend, are a wonderful example for the rest of us. I think your light shines brightly, even when under the basket! God granted me a special blessing when we were able to connect across all those miles between your ranch and my farm. Thank you for being a light for me and all those whom you bless through your writing ministry. May God bless you and your family during this season of love.
Thank you Katherine. My late husband and I share a similar story-had a couple who welcomed us and the woman became my mentor. Last year I read Bob Giff’s book-Love Does- which is a complement to your thoughts in this post- love is a verb. This also leads me to examine my personal preparation to get ready for celebrating the Lord’s advent. Thank you!
Thank you for your encouragement, Marilyn, and for recommending Bob Giff’s book. I agree–love is a verb–an action. There is a song that says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” That’s the love verb! Christmas is the perfect time for us to show it.
Katherine, some great food for thought. Speaking of food, I’m also really, REALLY glad that the custom of fasting for 40 days is not a ritual we practice today.
Thanks for the challenge to practice (yes, it’s a practice) gentleness, generosity, and compassion. I needed this!
I agree, Beckie. It takes a LOT of practice to live by the Fruit of the Spirit. I’m so glad God has patience with us when we stumble. Enjoy the blessings of Christmas, my friend, and that includes all those yummy goodies!
Christmas is a time when it’s easy to get wrapped up (no pun intended) in our endless to-do lists. Thanks for reminding me what the more important focus should be this season.
Love your pun, anyway, Candyce. It is so apt for the season. Sometimes I feel so wrapped up that I think I’ll never get unstuck. Wishing you a joyful time of celebration and I hope the end of your “to do” list is in sight.
Thank you, Katherine for your understanding and kind words! We’re a work in progress, aren’t we? And I am so grateful to God for that! Blessings, my friend!!
Yes, dear friend, I am definitely a work in progress. So thankful that God gives me those second, third, and infinite chances to try to do better! So grateful for His forgiveness and patience!
We are called to serve others on a daily basis, but Christmas is an ideal time to be more active because there is more focus on the need. Those who are hurting and needy feel the pain of that loss more during holidays. This post reminds us to be watchful of those around us we can lift up and bless.
Thank you for reminding us to reach out to the hurt and needy. We see the bell ringers and are often overwhelmed with telephone and snail mail solicitation. But, there are many in need and it is often not for monetary support, but for a kind word or smile–and a little of our time. Perhaps the sharing of ourselves (as did Jesus) is at the heart of Christmas.