The Herald Approach: Preparing the Way!

A warm Advent star reminding us to prepare the way for Christ.

“I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” — John 1:23

As we go through this season of Advent, we’re invited into a time of anticipation—not just of Christmas, but of Christ’s return. In the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life, the joyful strains of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” fill the Bailey home on Christmas Eve as the community gathers in love and generosity. That song title gives us our theme for the week: herald.

To herald means to announce something important is coming—something good, something transformative. And no one embodied that role more fully than John the Baptist, the original Advent herald. His mission? To prepare hearts for Jesus, the Light of the World.

We may not be prophets in camel’s hair eating locusts and honey (mmm, yummy), but we are called to be modern-day heralds. Each of us has a sphere of influence—our families, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities. And in those spaces, we have the opportunity to proclaim, not just with words but with our lives, that Jesus is coming again.

Living the Herald Life

Introverts, rejoice—this part’s for you. The quote often (though perhaps inaccurately) attributed to St. Francis of Assisi applies:
“Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”

With that game plan in mind, this Advent, let’s reflect:

• Is my life a reflection of Christ’s love, humility, and grace?

• Am I preparing the way for others to encounter Him through my actions, my words, my presence?

• What can I do this week to ‘announce’ His coming in my corner of the world?

You don’t need a pulpit or a big platform to be a herald. You just need a heart willing to point others to hope.

So go ahead—herald the good news.
With joy. With courage. With love.

Have a GREAT week.

Adapted from Lead with Faith, Play with Purpose by Andy Dooley.