“Preparation and Decoration”

Mark 1: 1, 3: “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God ... Make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.” Here’s another way we’ve gotten Christmas mixed up: how we prepare for it. Isaiah and John say to get ready for the coming of Christmas by preparing the way for Jesus. That isn’t really accomplished with decorations, purchase of presents, or Saturnalia-inspired jingles – all starting around September 1.