Where There’s Blayze

You know, in some ways, I’m a really gullible consumer. I’ll see a shiny new product and think, “Wow, I absolutely need this,” when in reality? I have no use for it. None. Technology is where they get me the worst.

Every time a new smartphone is announced, I’m too quickly thinking, “Take my money, Tim Cook!” And for what? A slightly better camera? A processor that’s 0.1% faster? “Oooh, it can now calculate the square root of regret in nanoseconds!”

But here’s the thing: Did you know a single smartphone today is over 100,000 times more powerful than all the computers NASA used to get us to the moon? Yeah. My phone could not only guide a spaceship to the moon, but it could simulate the entire mission, play my music playlist, and order me a Domino’s while it’s at it.

And yet, every year, I still try to convince myself, “This new phone? This is the one that’ll change my life.” Truth be told: It hasn’t. I’m still here, trying to remember my email password more often than not.

On the flip side, there are things I’m wildly skeptical about as a consumer. Like aromatherapy. Have you ever walked into a Lush store? It’s like stepping into Willy Wonka’s factory of overpriced glitter and soap.

One time, I went in to buy my brother a gift after he hurt his back. A very enthusiastic employee tried to sell me a bath bomb—apparently infused with unicorn tears and fairy dust—claiming it would help with back pain. I couldn’t help but think, It’s hot water that helps back pain. Not a lemon-scented soap ball.

By the end of the pitch, I couldn’t stop picturing this ridiculous life-or-death scene: a paramedic rushing into a chaotic accident, shouting, “Make way, I’m an aromatherapist!” No one’s happy to see that person. And yet, here we are, surrounded by people offering solutions that seem… less than essential.

Life-or-Death Proclamation

This brings us to today’s readings: Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 3:1-6. Both texts carry a sense of urgency, a life-or-death proclamation of the highest order. “Make way!” they declare. It’s not a polite suggestion; it’s the kind of announcement that demands immediate action.

In Malachi, we hear about a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord:

“See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me…” (Malachi 3:1).

For the Israelites, this was a promise of divine intervention. It wasn’t just about clearing a path; it was about preparing their hearts, lives, and priorities for God’s arrival. But then… silence. Malachi’s prophecy became the last word from God for 500 years.

Imagine five centuries of waiting. Generations of chaos, suffering, and injustice. Yet, through all of it, they clung to the promise that help was coming.

The Fulfillment in Luke

Fast forward to Luke’s Gospel. After 500 years of waiting, the prophecy comes alive:

“The word of God came to John, son of Zechariah, in the wilderness… ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” (Luke 3:2, 4).

John the Baptist bursts onto the scene like a paramedic in the middle of a disaster, shouting, “Make way! Help has arrived!” Some people flock to him with hope, recognizing their need for salvation. Others doubt, questioning whether this scruffy, locust eating prophet or the one he points to, Jesus, could possibly be the answer.

The skepticism John faced mirrors what we see today. People acknowledge the chaos in the world, but many are unsure Jesus is the solution.

Jesus: The Help We Need

The truth is, Jesus didn’t just meet expectations, He exceeded them. His life, death, and resurrection transformed history so completely that we literally measure time by His coming. His mission wasn’t just to address temporary chaos but to offer eternal peace, hope, and restoration.

Advent reminds us of three key realities:

1. God’s people once waited for the fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy.

2. That promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

3. We now wait for His promised return.

Advent isn’t just about looking back at what God has done. It’s also about preparing our hearts for what God is going to do next.

Are We Listening?

Here’s the thing though maybe we, as Christians, aren’t the primary audience for this call to “Make way!” We already know Jesus. We see the chaos around us and have embraced Him as our help.

The real tragedy is in those who haven’t. For some, the Gospel seems like aromatherapy: nice for those who like it, but not essential. Others recognise the brokenness of the world but don’t believe Jesus can, or will, make a difference.

This Advent, we are called to be messengers, like John the Baptist. To go into the chaos of the world and shout, “Make way!” Not as part of a nostalgic tradition but because we believe, truly believe, that Jesus is coming again.

Putting Christ Back into Christian

Advent isn’t just about putting Christ back into Christmas. It’s about putting Christ back into Christian.

We’re called to embody the urgency of this season—not just enjoying the decorations, carols, and traditions, but actively preparing the way for Jesus in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

Because one day, the cry “Make way!” won’t just be a hopeful announcement. It will be the proclamation of ultimate fulfillment.

And when that day comes, will we be found ready? Not just as people who’ve heard the message but as those who’ve shared it boldly with a world in desperate need.

This Advent, let’s be messengers of hope, preparing the way for the one who is, and always will be, the answer to the chaos.