Prepare the Way

Scripture Reading: Mark 1:1–8

“The beginning of the good news about 

Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.” 

Mark 1:1

Yesterday we stood with Zechariah watching the “rising sun” of God’s mercy begin to shine (Luke 1:78–79). Today Mark takes us deeper into that light. He opens his Gospel not with shepherds or angels, but with a bold announcement: “The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.” Advent reminds us that God always moves toward us first—bringing His mercy, His light, and His grace into our ordinary days. Isaiah promised that people living in darkness would see a “great light” (Isa. 9:2), and John affirms that this light will never be overcome (John 1:5). Advent teaches us that God’s coming is gentle yet powerful, the beginning of His new work in our hearts and lives.

As this light grows, Mark leads us into the wilderness where a lone voice calls out: “Prepare the way of the Lord” (Mark 1:3). Good news often begins in quiet or difficult places—times of waiting, longing, or emptiness. Advent invites us into that same wilderness. Into this atmosphere of longing and stillness, Mark opens his Gospel with urgency: “The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah.” There are no angels or shepherds—only a wilderness voice crying out: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” John calls us to repentance as preparation, not punishment. Eugene Peterson paraphrases repentance as “a return to the God we’ve been avoiding,” and Spurgeon adds, “Repentance is the road by which we come back to God.” Repentance grows best in silence. The old rhyme reminds us, “The less he spoke, the more he heard.” Advent invites us into this contemplative posture—clearing the debris of distraction, softening what has hardened, and rediscovering the wisdom of holy quiet. Diadochos of Photiki said, “Timely silence is precious… for it is nothing less than the mother of the wisest thoughts.” In the stillness of the wilderness, our ears grow sharp to hear the approaching footsteps of the One who comes.

John’s message is simple yet searching: “Repent for the forgiveness of sins.” Repentance is not meant to crush us—it is meant to free us. Richard Foster calls it “the doorway to freedom,” and Spurgeon says it leads us to Christ and to joy. The purpose of John’s preaching was to prepare people to accept Jesus as God’s Son. By calling each person to confess their sin, John signaled a new way of relating to God—one that begins with honesty. Before we can hear and understand Jesus’ message, change may be needed in our lives. We must admit we need forgiveness before we can receive it. To prepare to receive Christ, we turn away from the world’s dead-end attractions, sinful temptations, and harmful attitudes—and turn toward God, who alone can give us a new start. John baptized with water, but Jesus will baptize us with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8), bringing deep inner renewal and the transforming life of God within us.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Prepare our hearts with repentance, trust, and quiet obedience. Clear away what blocks Your light and soften what has grown hard. Guide our feet into the path of peace and fill us with Your Spirit. Come, Lord Jesus—shine into our darkness and make all things new. Amen.