As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’”

The empty manger contrasts with the overloaded and full Bethlehem and reminds us of the one who came, and who is coming again.  John the baptizer fulfills the message of Isaiah – crying out with his warning to PREPARE.  As we celebrate the second Sunday in Advent we pray for the grace of God to join with the Shepherd King clearing the way to turn again and prepare for his return – knowing neither day nor hour, we wait for new heavens and a new earth and a new heart – God we offer our Bethlehems to you so that our manger hearts may be prepared and ready to receive You.