Sermon - Preparing the Way for Peace

Preaching on Matthew 3:1–12, Pastor Jenny describes John the Baptist as the uncomfortable but necessary Advent guest—the wild prophet who shows up before the angels, shepherds, and baby Jesus. John’s message, “Change your hearts and lives,” cuts through religious entitlement and superficial readiness, calling us to integrity: that what we say we believe is actually visible in how we live. She contrasts this with a humorous but convicting Costco pumpkin pie story, where she realizes she missed a small opportunity to extend grace and make a pathway for peace. Advent peace, she reminds us, isn’t just the absence of conflict but the presence of shalom—wholeness, justice, healing, and right relationship—so preparing for Christ’s coming means examining our lives, choices, and daily interactions to clear space for that peace to enter our homes, communities, and world.

Reflection question:
Where is one small, very ordinary place in your week where you could “prepare the way for peace” by choosing integrity, grace, or kindness instead of frustration or entitlement?