Emmanuel E-News

December 6-12, 2024

Dear Beloved in Christ,

As we step deeper into the season of Advent, the words of Luke 3:4b ring out with a call that resonates across the centuries: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” Advent is a time of preparation—not only for the celebration of Christ’s birth but also for His promised return. This preparation, however, is not solely our work. It is God’s gracious work in and through us.

In Malachi 3:1-4, the prophet speaks of God’s messenger, one who will refine and purify. This is a reminder that the preparation we are called to involves transformation. Like precious metals being refined in fire, God works to cleanse our hearts and lives, removing the impurities that separate us from Him and one another. This refining is not easy, but it is necessary as God shapes us into vessels of His love and grace.

Paul’s words in Philippians 1:3-11 provide assurance that this work of preparation is not ours to complete alone. He writes, “The one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” God’s work of preparation is ongoing, and it is rooted in love. As we allow God to shape us, our love overflows, our knowledge and insight deepen, and we are made ready to bear witness to Christ’s coming.

The words of Luke’s Gospel encourage us to reflect on how this preparation takes shape in our daily lives. Where are there crooked paths in our hearts that need to be straightened? What valleys of despair or indifference need to be filled with hope and love? What mountains of pride or self-sufficiency must be brought low so that God’s light can shine through?

Advent invites us to trust in God’s active work of preparation within us and to join in that work as partners in the Gospel. Through prayer, reflection, acts of kindness, and the sharing of God’s Word, we participate in making the way of the Lord visible—not only for ourselves but for others who long to see God’s salvation.

May this Advent be a time of opening our hearts to God’s refining love, trusting that the good work begun in us will be brought to completion in Christ Jesus. Together, let us prepare the way of the Lord.



In Christ’s peace,

Pastor Will