He has come, to bring light into the darkness
He has come, to bring freedom to the captives
He has come, to restore the broken hearted
It’s time to proclaim,

the year of the Lord

Prepare the way,

prepare the way

for our Redeemer
Prepare the way,

prepare the way

for our Restorer
Make ready your heart, make ready your home
Make ready the people of God, prepare the way

 

 

Scripture Reading:  Mk. 1:1-8

The beginning of the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  It is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah:

Look, I am going to send my messenger before you; he will prepare your way.  A voice cries in the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight…

and so it was that John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 

 

Meditation: Try to answer as many questions as possible

1.     According to Mark, what is his gospel about?  Who is Jesus Christ?        

2.     What is the purpose of referring to what the prophet Isaiah wrote 700-800 years ago?  Who will send the messenger?        

3.     What is the task of this messenger?  How is he going to accomplish this?  Why do the Lord’s paths have to be straight?             

4.     What was John the Baptist doing in the wilderness?  In your opinion, is he the messenger?  Why?   

5.     What are some of the challenges of crying out in the wilderness?  What did John proclaim in the wilderness? 

 

By Heart: Reflect on this in light of your daily life situation

John the Baptist was the messenger who prepared the way for the coming of the Son of God by proclaiming a baptism of repentance.  John’s message was present not only in his words but in his whole life – the man was the message.  He was a voice crying out in the wilderness.

-         What sort of message are we proclaiming to the world today in preparation for the coming of Jesus?

-         In the wilderness of our daily lives, there are many voices crying out for our attention.  How can we hear the voice of God’s messengers?

John knew who Jesus was (…someone who is more powerful than I am) and what he came to do (…he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit).  Thus, the season of Advent is a time of preparation when we ask ourselves: 

-         Who is Jesus?  What can he do in my life?        

 

Intercessions:

1.  For the participants of the Commitment Seminar, that they might experience an outpouring of the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

2.     For the mother of Angela who is suffering from arthritis on her whole body, that they can get the right doctor and treatment for her soon.

3.     For all of us, that we may prepare the way of the Lord and make his paths straight by repenting from our sins and going back to God

4.     For parents and children, that they might grow in understanding and love for one another and open their hearts to the coming of the Lord

Lord Jesus Christ, by your suffering, death and resurrection, you give us new life:  a life filled with joy and purpose; a life only you can give it, for you are the source of life.  Guide us on our pilgrimage of life, that following you faithfully as your disciples, we may witness boldly to the world, your love and truth.  Enlighten our minds and hearts that your Word which we read and meditated may take roots in our lives.  Help us not to fall into sin and if we do fall due to our human weakness, bring us back to you for you are the way, the truth and the life. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters, wherever they are, who are committed to this prayer, that their faith may be strengthened, their hope assured and their love fulfilled.  In your name we humbly pray.  Amen