Today is my first day back at work from being on maternity leave. No matter how much preparation Joe and I did before Baby Jonathan’s arrival, nothing could actually prepare us for our little boy. People would tell me; sleep now, while you can. They would also tell us, your lives will never be the same. They would say nothing beats being a parent, except maybe being a grandparent and the list could go on and on. However, it wasn’t until we were knee deep in the first few days of having a newborn when I realized, everything we prepped for, really wasn’t enough. All the classes, books, and blogs didn’t totally prepare us; we had to have hands-on training straight from Baby JJ himself.

However, before Jesus’ arrival, John the Baptist helped to prepare the way. I like to think that John and Jesus were great friends before they even met each other, since John leapt in his mother’s womb when Mary came to visit Elizabeth when she was with child. Later on in life, John was busy trying to help prepare folks for the coming of our Messiah, telling them to “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven has come near.” John was going out of his way to prepare, to make the path clear for Jesus. Another endearing quality that John had was that it wasn’t “all about John.” He wanted to spread the Good News of Jesus by baptizing everyone, but he also let them know that “after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” John wanted everyone to know – Jesus was the Savior, Jesus was the Messiah – not Mr. John of the Wilderness.

I have always been inspired by John and his faith in our Lord and Savior. He was energetically preparing the way of our Lord but not for his own credit – no it was all about Jesus. I pray we can do that too, spread the Good News about God, but not for our glory or what we get out of it, but all for Him!

Prayer

Glorious Lord, we thank You that we are able to spread the Good News every day, no matter where we go. We can shine Your light in dark situations and in the rays of sunshine. Encourage us to help guide others to see, feel, and be present in Your love every single day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.