In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,

make straight paths for him.’” 

John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

Matthew 3:1-6

We have now come full-circle as John the Baptist fulfills the words of the Prophet Isaiah: “Prepare ye, the way of the Lord.”  From the Prophet to the ears of the disciples, written for those to hear—faith comes by hearing. John’s appearance brought no focus to himself. He gave little attention to food or drink as he prepared himself and challenged others to also prepare themselves. He was calling for the attention to be on the One who would become the provision for all of humanity. We can participate and prepare ourselves in this Advent season by taking our attention off of those things that distract us from God’s provision, and set it on Christ the Messiah. 

Prayer:

Jesus, you are always, always good. You always provide exactly what I need.  Today I make the choice to lift my eyes and focus on you. Show me the things that may be distracting me from you. I lay those things down at your feet. Help me set my focus on you. Amen.