“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 the one 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”’” (Matthew 3:1-3).
It is estimated that Isaiah the prophet lived about 700 years before the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. The world needed a Savior, and God promised to send One. When Jesus was born, John the Baptist’s role was to proclaim His coming and to prepare the people to meet Him.
When questioned by priests and Levites as to who he was, John’s reply was, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord’” (John 1:23). He further explained, “I baptize with water, but among you stands One who you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:27).
“The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is what I meant when I said, “A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.” I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel’” (John 1:29-30).
John the Baptist had been commissioned by God to prepare the people for Jesus’ arrival. Before John was born, an angel had appeared to Zechariah to explain that Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth would give birth to a son who they would name “John.” The angel explained John’s purpose and informed him that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.
John did exactly as the angel and Isaiah had foretold. He urged people to repent and prepared them to meet Jesus.
We too have been commissioned by God. Jesus said in Matthew 28:18-20, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Many in our world are still in desperate need of a Savior. Some who are getting ready to celebrate Christmas have no idea who Jesus is or why they need Him.
God’s word tells us that there will be a day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Whether we accepted Him as Lord or not while we were living on earth, we will know that He is Lord when we meet Him face to face. For those who did not accept before their physical death, it will be too late.
So I ask you as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world, “Are you prepared for the day that you will meet Him face-to-face?” If not, don’t put it off any longer. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!”
If you are prepared (and I hope you are), I ask you this, “How will you proclaim the Good News of Jesus today?” Will you send a Christmas card explaining the true meaning of Christmas and follow up with the recipient? Are you bold enough to post a message on your social media platform? Are you willing to take the time to talk to your unbelieving parents, cousins, friends, neighbors, co-workers or whoever God sends your way? Will you shine your Light in the darkness? What action will you take today?
As we remember the reason that we celebrate Christmas, we must find a way to share the Good News with others. We must proclaim and prepare the way.