Isaiah 62:10-12
Go through, go through the gates. Prepare a way for the people. Build up, build up the highway. Clear it of stones. Raise a banner for the peoples. Listen, the Lord is making a proclamation to the end of the earth. Tell the daughter of Zion: “Look, your salvation is coming. Look, his reward is with him, and his compensation is out in front of him.” Then they will be called holy people, the redeemed of the Lord. Then you will be called Sought After, A City Not Abandoned.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Prepare our hearts as we once again get ready to celebrate the gift you gave us. This gift is for everyone, and there is so much excitement that you have for people to come through the gate and know this gift, “everyone come and hear the good news of your salvation, which my Son won for you.” Lord, we thank you for your present!
You told us, through Isaiah, how to prepare. We build up the highway and clear out the stones. May we all acknowledge the sins which weigh us down, causing us guilt and shame. Let us come before you and confess everything we have thought, said, and done. With faith through repentant hearts, the Holy Spirit delivers the forgiveness Jesus won for us on that cross. You promised salvation would come, and it has come; when Jesus went to the cross, he took the sins of the world into himself so that whoever believes in him is forgiven and has everlasting life.
Lord, forgive us when we see only the world that hates you and us. Keep us vigilant so that we would find those who need Jesus’ forgiveness and are looking for your love and mercy. You have never abandoned us; you provided the way of salvation for all people when all seemed lost. We thank you for your gift of salvation which came to us through your Son, our Savior. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Remember why Jesus came, because our situation was dire—we were to be eternally condemned. God has mercy on you, and Jesus came to forgive you for every sin. You are forgiven, and this gift is yours through faith alone.