Preparing the Way Through Holy Living
Scripture: “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb… They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11.6, 9, ESV)
MAIN POINT: We prepare for Christ’s coming by living as citizens of His peaceful kingdom now.
Isaiah’s vision of the peaceable kingdom sounds almost impossible—natural enemies dwelling together in harmony, predators becoming gentle, violence giving way to knowledge of the Lord. Yet this is precisely what Christ’s kingdom accomplishes. He doesn’t merely suppress conflict; He transforms hearts. He creates genuine peace by reconciling us first to God, then to one another.
As we await Christ’s return and the full consummation of this peaceable kingdom, we’re called to embody its values now. We prepare the way of the Lord by making His paths straight in our own lives. What valleys of despair need filling with hope? What mountains of pride need leveling with humility? What crooked places need straightening through repentance?
This preparation isn’t merely individual; it’s communal. At Zion, we prepare for Christ by serving boldly—trusting that Heaven’s King empowers our service. We prepare by connecting deeply—extending grace and forgiveness to one another as we’ve received from Christ. We prepare by transforming community—living as citizens of the peaceable kingdom right here in Vassar, demonstrating that Christ’s peace is real and available to all who repent and believe.
Reflection: Preparing for Christ’s coming means actively living out the values of His kingdom—peace, mercy, justice, and love—in our daily interactions. What specific “crooked path” in your life needs straightening as this week draws to a close? How can your congregation better demonstrate Christ’s peace to your community?
Prayer: Lord of peace, prepare my heart as this week of Advent continues. Straighten the crooked paths in my life, fill my valleys of despair with hope, and humble my prideful mountains. Make me an instrument of Your peace in my family, church, and community. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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