Advent #2: Preparing a Way

 In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. That's what the prophet Isaiah wrote so very many years ago, and we can almost see his tears staining the page. It was a warning and a blessing, all mixed together. It was good news and bad news. Someone is coming, he croaked, and it's time to get ready. We can assume the people kept driving right on by, as Isaiah stood there on his street corner, black words scrawled on a brown cardboard sign. We can assume people didn't want to make eye contact. He was a little crazy, after all.But someone did come, as it turned out, even though almost no one was ready. He came in the desert, and he came with good news and bad news. His name was John the Baptist, and he dressed like Isaiah did, all burlap and beard. He invited people to a river of repentance, and many people flocked to him. They confessed their sins in that water, and they came up clean. They were straightforward about stopping and changing the direction of their lives, because Someone was coming after John that would finally set things right. A King was coming, who would rule a different kind of kingdom.It was time to prepare.And this Advent season, it's time to prepare again, because Someone is coming once again, to finally set things right, to redeem and restore all things. It's time to be straightforward about stopping and changing the direction of our lives. It's time to remember who God is, who we are, and who our brothers and sisters are. It's time to confess.So how exactly are we supposed to do that?Confession isn't browbeating and wallowing in shame. Confession isn't making sure you feel badly enough so that the forgiveness really counts. Confession isn't making long lists and wringing your hands. There are no bonus points for those who feel extra guilty. Confession is simply being straightforward with yourself, with God, and with another human being, about what really is messed up in your life.Where are you hiding? Where are you closed off? Where are you living as if you are the one who has to hold it all together? What have you done that has hurt yourself or someone else? Where are you consuming another human being? Where are you living as if you had no limits?I've found it helpful to approach it first of all by clenching your fists. Literally. So - go ahead: clench your fists, right now. Squeeze them as tightly as you can. Can you feel how much energy that is taking you to keep them clenched? Hiding your sin is like that; it takes extraordinary energy. With your fists still clenched, whisper, "Have mercy on me, Lord." Then, as specific things come to mind, open your hands and give them to God. Feel how different it is to hold your hands relaxed and open, versus tightly and clenched. Sit there with your palms up, open to God and to a new beginning. Breathe in God's mercy, breathe out all that is crooked and hidden in your life.Then put your hands on your heart, and whisper, "I am yours, Lord." Remember that you are God's, that you are not what you have done, and that there is a new beginning waiting for you in that moment.I've found it's also helpful to confess those things to another human being, a sacred companion who can hear your confession, and remind you that you are forgiven, that God has come near, and that the crooked ways can really be made straight. In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. A King is coming.