It’s easy to find ourselves in the middle of December with a packed calendar and an unprepared spirit, carrying bitterness, comparison, or disappointment into every day. Drawing from Matthew 3:3, Karen talks about what it means to “prepare the way for the Lord” so we don’t miss Jesus in the middle of our own expectations. You’ll come away with simple, practical ways to prepare your heart for Christmas, no matter what your circumstances are like.
Episode Recap:
- Today we’re talking about preparation (2:15)
- We must prepare our hearts so we don’t miss Christ (3:54)
- We prepare through self-reflection, repentance, readiness (5:06)
- It’s hard to see the condition of your own heart, so pray about it (6:12)
- This world is full of trouble, but Christ has overcome the world (13:09)
- We have to take our thoughts captive over and over and over again (14:45)
- Practically, how do we prepare our hearts? (17:13)
Scripture: Matthew 3:3 (NIV) – ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’
Discussion Questions:
- When you look at this Christmas season, where do you see that your heart might be “unprepared”? (Bitterness, comparison, resentment, fear, exhaustion, etc.)
- What “self-talk” tends to get loud for you during the holidays (i.e.: life isn’t fair, I never have enough, no one appreciates me)? Which scriptures could help you renew your mind with truth instead?
- Karen shared practical ideas for preparing your heart: starting the day with Jesus, lighting a candle, sitting in silence, simplifying your schedule, serving someone in need. Which one could you realistically try this week?
- Is there one thing you could say no to this December to create more space for peace, presence, and noticing Jesus? What would it look like to trust God with that decision?
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