By Cody Anderson
At the core of Advent lies the theological imperative of preparation—a theme deeply intertwined with the biblical narratives of prophets and forerunners who heralded the Messiah’s arrival. John the Baptist, an iconic figure in the Advent narrative, epitomizes the call to prepare the way for the Lord. His voice echoed Isaiah’s prophecy, “The voice of one calling out, ‘Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God,’” (Isaiah 40:3, NASB), signaling the urgency of spiritual readiness.
The theological significance of preparation during Advent extends far beyond mere external rituals. It delves into the essence of repentance, awakening, and readiness to receive the Divine. It calls for a turning of hearts, a deliberate introspection, and a reorientation toward the spiritual reality of Christ’s Advent.
Preparing for Advent isn’t solely about trimming trees or wrapping gifts; it’s about cultivating a spiritual posture of expectancy and receptivity to the transformative power of Christ’s coming. It’s a season that beckons believers to examine their lives, clear away the clutter of distractions, and make room for the indwelling of God.
The theological groundworks of this preparation coincide throughout the scriptural narratives, where individuals and communities prepared for the coming of the Messiah. Mary, the young and faithful handmaiden, embodies the receptive heart prepared to bear the Christ child. The conclusion she comes to at the announcement of being the mother of our Savior is how a prepared heart should look. “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word,’” (Luke 1: 38, ESV). Her willingness to surrender to God’s plan exemplifies the spiritual readiness sought during Advent to receive and respond to God’s call.
Moreover, the preparation during Advent serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual journey—a journey marked by the longing for Christ’s presence not only in the past but also in the present and future. Isaiah’s prophecy was some 700 years before the coming of Christ. It urges believers to embrace the transformative power of Christ’s presence in their lives, anticipating His coming as a historical event and a continuous renewal of faith.
Just as the Israelites longed to see the promise of God come during their lives, we, too, should be looking to the return of Jesus. We have this promise: “In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be,” (John 14:2-3, NASB). Will we miss it just like the Jews missed the Messiah?
Amid the bustling season, Advent extends an invitation—an invitation to pause, reflect, and engage in spiritual disciplines that foster a deeper connection with God. Prayer, meditation, acts of kindness, and intentional reflection on Scripture serve as pathways to prepare the soul for the Advent of Christ.
Please slow down this Christmas and ensure you are prepared, not just ready for the meals and gift giving, but prepared for the indwelling of God. We are all busy. As children of God, nothing should come before knowing our Father and being ready for the coming King. So, as you reflect on the coming of Christ as a baby this Christmas season, meditate on the fact that He will return as King to receive His bride. That promise is closer to fulfillment today than when it was scribed nearly 2,000 years ago.
This article originally appeared in The Clarion Newspaper on December 26, 2023.
Featured Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay.
Corinth Baptist Church 