December 2005 by E. Louise Williams
(Click here for downloadable artwork)

God’s Parade
Matthew 3:1–3

Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Matthew 3:3b

The people felt far from God. They were far from home—in exile. The prophet Isaiah painted a picture for them, and Matthew recalls it. The prophet’s picture imagined God leading a royal procession, a parade through the wilderness back to Jerusalem.

The road needed to be prepared—the mountains leveled, the valleys filled in, the crooked straightened out, and the rough places made smooth. The road needed to be prepared—not so that God could make the trip. God would not be stopped by mountains or valleys or slowed by curves and potholes. The road needed to be prepared for all those who would be following God in the parade—the people wearied and worn by their long years in exile, people who couldn’t make the trip home if the way was too difficult.

In this season, we prepare for Christ’s coming once more. The amazing thing is that Christ comes whether or not we are prepared. Christ is not stopped by our busy-ness nor slowed down by the things we don’t get done. Christ has a way of breaking into our lives, ready or not.

When Christ comes, along come all those who are part of Christ’s parade: People who feel far from God. People who are homesick. People wearied and worn by life. People for whom life’s journey is especially hard. For their coming into our hearts and homes and congregations, special preparation might be required. In order to receive them, we might need to slow our pace or build a ramp. We might need to listen with particular care or offer some additional support.

When we think about it, though, we might realize that it is not just “those other people” who need help along the way. We, too, may sometimes feel wearied and worn. We, too, may feel far from God and far from our heart’s true home. Especially when we wonder if we can continue on the journey, God’s gracious word is: “I am smoothing and straightening the way for you. Come, and be part of my parade.”

For reflection and discussion: Who are some of the people who have smoothed the way and straightened the path for you? How mighty our congregation better prepare the way for those who are part of Christ’s parade?

Prayer: O God, you have prepared a way for me. Help me to be a way-preparer for others. Amen.