Prepare the way of the Lord!

Prepare the Way of the Lord! (Mark 1:3)

This is the key Theme of Advent proclaimed by John the Baptist.
 
Throughout Advent we are urged to cultivate the patience, the faith and the perseverance of our spiritual ancestors, whilst they anticipated the arrival of the Messiah. We also wait for him, whilst he is with us through the Holy Spirit.
 
John the Baptist is prominent during Advent. Jesus called him the greatest of the prophets. He was the climax of the past prophetic witness of Israel, pointing to Jesus and proclaiming, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). John articulates the deep desire of Israel for the Messiah. He prophetically asserts the culmination of the sacrificial system. He moves us from the previous covenant to the next, and steps aside for Jesus the Messiah to take centre stage.
 
On the final Sunday of Advent, we are ready to complete our journey to Christmas. The proclamation of Mary initiates the Incarnation. The previous prophetic proclamations received from John the Baptist are seen in the birth of Jesus.
 
May Advent alleluias infuse all we give and share as we celebrate this wonderful Christmas season!
 
Our prayer expresses the key Advent theme in this Collect - Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.