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Prepare the Way
 
When I was a boy, some of my favorite stories were those by Jack London. I still remember “To Build a Fire” like I had read it yesterday. In fact, there was one line in that story that I am still waiting to try out. When he described the fierce cold that his character faced, London wrote that at 50 degrees below zero, spit would freeze solid—crackle—when it hit the snow, and that at 75 degrees below zero, it would crackle in the air! I have always wondered if that was true. Maybe I’ll find out someday.
 
Yet, thinking of Jack London’s stories brought to mind another story of Alaskan life that seems to fit our Christian calling. It was part of the code of the Alaskan trail that anyone who made use of a cabin must leave it ready to serve the next traveler. Food for man and dogs must be stocked and the makings of a fire carefully laid so that the next person, perhaps too weak and cold to do much for himself, can quickly get warmth and nourishment. And if the weather was really bad, that preparation could be the difference between life and death.
 
And a similar obligation is laid upon all of us, for as the Bible reminds us, “A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children.” (Proverbs 13:22) John the Baptist is the personification of this idea. He embodied the heritage of the great prophets of Israel. In him, we see the passion for justice of Amos, the tenderness of Hosea, the dedication of Micah, the moral earnestness of Isaiah, and the sense of fellowship with God of Jeremiah. So great was his zeal that some thought he was Elijah come back to life.
 
His choices were clear—he could use his power and influence for himself or he could point to the One who was yet to come and prepare the way for His coming. John accepted the second choice and prepared the way so that when Christ came, He would find a welcome in the hearts of the people.
 
This is a choice that we too must make in every aspect of our lives: to prepare the way for Christ to find a home in the hearts of our family, our friends and our neighbors by living for the sake of others.
 
Almighty God, You have made us fellow workers in Your creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to live according to Your will, that generations yet to come may continue to praise You for Your grace and generosity. Amen.
The Rev. John R. Bentley, Jr.
Pastoral Associate
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