Thursday, November 27, 2025

Musings at St. Andrew’s

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Crawford | Interim Moderator

“Preparing the Way”

“A voice cries out:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;
    make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up,
    and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
    and the rough places a plain.
Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
    and all flesh shall see it together,
    for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

                                                            Isaiah 40: 3-5

All four Gospels show how John the Baptist prepared the way, echoing the words of the prophets, who said, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” John indeed goes out into the wilderness, baptizing people and proclaiming the Advent of God’s kin-dom.

John shows us what it means to prepare the way for the Messiah, calling attention to and celebrating Jesus at every opportunity, and prompting others to see and celebrate Jesus as well. From the beginning, John embraces his role as the predecessor, the preparer, the prophet pointing the way to Jesus, never trying to claim credit or acclaim for himself. There were probably people in the captivated crowds around John the Baptizer who told him he was the greatest, the saviour of the world. But instead, John looked out to the future with a humbled heart and imagined the one who would really get the job done.

Charismatic godly figures come and go, from Elijah to Isaiah to John. In fact, preparers of the way still appear today.

 We may be preparers ourselves.

 But there is only one saviour of the world, and in Advent, we wait for God, turning our hearts to God and one another, as we all turn our eyes to the Christ Child who is to come.

Come, Lord Jesus, Come.

Advent Prayer

God, as we enter this season, prepare our hearts to receive more of you. Our lives are often filled with rocky paths and steep ravines. Remind us of your presence and help us to make our hearts ready. You have good in store for us and long to reveal your glory.

Forgive our wandering ways and guide us along your paths of peace. When we lose our way, carry us back to you. Lead us up to that high mountain of faith and hope, that we may truly proclaim: 'Here is our God.’

God of infinite grace, you fill us with hopeful expectation. Make us ready for the message that prepares the way. Grant us hope beyond our limited imaginations. May we eagerly anticipate and await the kin-dom of your Son, Jesus Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

In Advent Hope,

Jeffrey
Interim Moderator