In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. ”

Matthew 3:1-2

Dear God, I saw a video this morning from an advent series that I’ve been watching when I wake up. This one talked about a John the Baptist, how he was preparing the way, and if we shouldn’t be asking ourselves how we can help others prepare for the coming of Jesus this Christmas season. I thought that was a pretty good question/thought, so I decided to talk to you about it.

I went to Target last night to purchase a Christmas ornament for an ornament exchange my wife and I are doing with our church group today. I was looking for something with a spiritual flavor (since this was my church group and all), but the ONLY ornament that had even slight spiritual overtones was a boxy-looking church. Everything else was elves, toys, and Star Wars characters. I was stunned.

Movies I enjoy, like Elf and The Santa Clause, for a few years now (and it didn’t start there because Miracle on 34th Street had the same message) have focused on people believing in the Christmas Spirit and Santa. There is probably a role for all Christians to play in preparing the way for Christ this Christmas.

Father, show me what to do about this in each moment. Show me how to be an encouragement to others and how to do my part to usher in the Christmas season. Help me to be your ambassador for light, holiness, peace, love, and repentance.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen