Matthew 3: 1-3 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the desert of Judea announcing, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” He was the one of whom Isaiah the prophet spoke when he said: “The voice of one shouting in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.”n
nMy annual “Walk to Bethlehem” is typically a frantic run to Christmas Day filled with tasks and to-dos. I have already started my list for this year’s trek. It includes the following:
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nMake Santa hats for Pooh and friends
nTake pictures for Christmas cards
nDecide on menu
nMake plans for pets
nPlus 44 other items (and it is early November as I write this)
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nThe certainty that John the Baptist’s call to “prepare the way for the Lord” had a much different focus than my task oriented preparations has me considering this season’s walk. The word “walk” is the key. Defined as moving at a regular and fairly slow pace on foot, walking gives us time to reflect even as we progress on our path. My race to complete all of the must-dos on my list is in direct contrast to a pace that allows for taking time to prepare my soul for the season. The self-imposed burden of the things that have to be done by this week, by Christmas Day, by year end, by the end of next year prevents us from experiencing the wonder of the season. This season, can we make the journey the task? Can we find the joy of the season in our interactions with those around us, watch the awe in the eye of children, listen for the words of God in the ordinary?
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nPrayer: Dear God: As we walk to Bethlehem, we thank you for the gift of Jesus. We are reminded that we are called to prepare a way for Him in our hearts and minds. We ask that you help to lift our self-imposed burdens, replacing them with an openness to find Your guidance for our journey this season and in the seasons to come. Amen.
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nSusan Lambert
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