Every year, as Advent finds its rhythm, John the Baptist strides onto the scene. He arrives suddenly, pointing away from himself and towards the One who is coming. There is nothing vague about him. He lives simply, speaks plainly, and urges people to take their lives seriously. His message is summed up in one word – Preparation. John stands at a turning point in Scripture. He is often called the last of the Old Testament prophets and the first herald of the New. The prophets were not fortune-tellers. They were interpreters, helping people recognise what was good, what was harmful, and what needed to change. They reminded people that choices matter, that actions have consequences, and that repentance opens the way to a new beginning. John’s voice is strong, but it also carries hope. He speaks of judgement and of the need to turn back, but he does this because God is drawing near. Something new is beginning. A Saviour approaches. John wants people to be ready to welcome the One who brings life and mercy. Preparation, for him, is an act of hope.

And so it is for us. At this time of year we understand preparation well: lists to make, cards to write, decorations to hang, meals to plan, people to see. It can be joyful and tiring. But John offers a gentle reminder – do not neglect the preparation of the heart. The heart is where Christ comes first. A house may be beautifully prepared, but if the heart is crowded with anxiety, resentment or distraction, joy struggles to enter. John invites us to look at ourselves honestly and ask: What path am I making for the Lord? Is it straight or cluttered with old hurts, fears or habits? Preparation need not be dramatic. It is often simple: a moment of prayer, a word of forgiveness, letting go of something unhelpful, or a small act of generosity. These quiet steps straighten the path. Here the saints help us. On 6th December we celebrate St Nicholas, a bishop remembered for his generosity. He prepared the way for Christ by caring for the poor, protecting the vulnerable, and giving quietly. He reminds us that preparation is shown not only in prayer but in action – in seeking out those who need encouragement or dignity. Examples surround us: someone who listens patiently, someone who apologises, someone who chooses kindness rather than bitterness. These may seem small, but they are Advent acts. They make room for Christ.

And preparation is inward too. In a busy world, it can be hard to slow down enough to notice what is happening within us. Advent invites us to stop, breathe, pray and reflect. To look honestly at the year behind us and recognise where God has been calling, comforting or challenging us. He does not force His way in – He asks us to prepare. Some feel, especially at this time of year, that they have little to offer. Mistakes weigh heavily, relationships feel strained, hope seems faint. Yet Christ comes precisely to the worn and burdened. Preparation is not about perfection but readiness – the simple willingness to let Him draw close.

John the Baptist reminds us that anyone can prepare the way of the Lord, whatever their circumstances. So, as we continue through this second week of Advent, let us embrace the call to preparation. Let us prepare our homes with joy, and our hearts with honesty. Let us prepare our relationships with patience, our thoughts with hope, and our actions with kindness. And when Christmas comes, we shall find that Christ enters not only the world, but the most ordinary places of our lives.

Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight