Two years ago today, on December 11, 2023, the front-page headline of Newsday read, “Glaring Issue on LI Roads.” The story was not about the glow of Christmas lights along our neighborhoods, even though many beautiful displays certainly compete for our attention this time of year, but about safety issues on Long Island roadways. As we approach Christmas once again, traffic safety remains essential, yet even more important is where our Advent journey along life’s highways is taking us.

Last Sunday, we opened worship for the Second Sunday in Advent with the gathering hymn “Prepare the Royal Highway.” Then we heard Matthew’s familiar message introducing us to a prophetic “road builder,” John the Baptist: “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight’” (Matthew 3:3).

This coming weekend, on the Third Sunday in Advent, the theme continues. Isaiah promises, “A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way” (Isaiah 35:8). This divine roadway guides God’s people toward hope, renewal, and righteousness, and ultimately directs us to the Messiah. Jesus later gives us the clearest mile marker of all with his words, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

It is no surprise, then, that the earliest Christians were known simply as “The Way.” They understood that following Jesus was not merely believing something. It meant walking a new path shaped by mercy, compassion, and faithfulness.

As you plan your Advent journey, rev your engines and steer your faith toward preparing the way of the Lord. Join us for worship this Sunday, December 14, at 9:30 AM.

Blessings,

Pastor Marc