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The Daily Devotional
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Preparing the Way as the Light Turns
“You, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the dawn from on high will visit us, to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace.” — Luke 1:76–79
Reflection
There are seasons when the light seems to turn slowly. The morning does not arrive all at once. First there is a thinning of the darkness, then a softening of the horizon, then a pale line of promise stretching across the sky. Before the sun fully rises, the world begins to change. Shadows remain, but they are no longer as strong. The darkness is still present, but it is already losing its hold.
Luke 1:76–79 carries that kind of hope. These words are spoken by Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. For months, Zechariah had been silent because of his unbelief when the angel announced that he and Elizabeth would have a son in their old age. But when John was born, Zechariah’s mouth was opened, and his first words became a song of praise and prophecy. Looking at his newborn son, he declared that John would be called “a prophet of the Most High.” John would go before the Lord to prepare His ways. He would point the people toward salvation, forgiveness, mercy, and the coming light of Christ.
This is not merely a father’s blessing over a child. It is a holy announcement that God’s long-promised mercy was drawing near. John would not be the Light, but he would prepare the way for the Light. He would not save, but he would point to the Savior. His calling was to awaken hearts, clear the road, and help people recognize the dawn when it came.
That image of preparation is deeply practical. Anyone who has lived on a country road or a ranch road knows that a path does not stay clear by accident. After wind, rain, drifting sand, fallen branches, or weeds, a road may need attention before it can be traveled safely. Someone has to walk it, clear it, smooth the rough places, and make it passable again. The road itself may have always been there, but neglect can make it hard to see and harder to follow.
Our hearts can become that way too. Over time, worry, resentment, disappointment, grief, hurry, and distraction can gather like debris across the road of the soul. We may still believe, still pray, still know the words of faith, yet find that the way before us feels cluttered and dim. Preparing the way for Christ often begins with letting God show us what has been left unattended within us.
As the light turns in the season, this passage invites us to consider how God’s mercy dawns over the places where we have grown weary. Zechariah says that the dawn from on high will visit us “because of the tender mercy of our God.” That is a beautiful phrase. God’s light does not come because we have earned it, arranged it, or forced it into being. It comes because God is merciful. His mercy rises before we know how to rise. His light reaches toward those who sit in darkness and even those who dwell under the shadow of death.
This means the Christian life is not simply about trying harder to shine. It is first about receiving the Light who comes to us. Christ enters the darkened places of the world and the hidden corners of the heart. He brings forgiveness where sin has burdened us, hope where sorrow has settled, and guidance where our feet have lost their way. Then, having received His light, we become people who help prepare the way for others.
That may happen in very ordinary ways. A kind word can clear a path. A humble apology can open a road that pride had blocked. A forgiving spirit can let light back into a relationship. A patient act of service can become a small lamp for someone walking through a difficult day. We do not have to be John the Baptist standing in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord. We may prepare His way at the kitchen table, in the grocery store, on the phone, beside a hospital bed, in a difficult conversation, or in a quiet decision to choose peace instead of bitterness.
Today’s application is simple but searching: ask the Lord to show you one place where the road needs clearing. Is there clutter in your heart that needs to be surrendered? Is there someone who needs encouragement? Is there a relationship where peace could begin with your first gentle step? Is there a place in your home, work, church, or community where you can help the light of Christ be seen more clearly?
John’s calling was to prepare the way. Our calling, in our own time and place, is to do the same. We prepare the way whenever we turn from darkness toward mercy, whenever we point away from ourselves and toward Christ, and whenever our lives help others see that God’s dawn is still breaking into the world.
As the light turns, remember this: Christ is the true Light. God’s tender mercy still visits dark places. The dawn from on high still shines on those who sit in shadow. And the Lord who comes to us in mercy is faithful to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Prayer
Merciful God, prepare our hearts for the light of Christ. Clear away what has grown heavy, cluttered, bitter, or afraid within us, and let Your tender mercy dawn over every darkened place. Teach us to receive Your forgiveness, walk in Your peace, and become quiet witnesses of Your hope in the world around us. Guide our feet today into the way of peace, and help our words, choices, and actions prepare the way for others to see the light of Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the World English Bible (WEB), which is a Public Domain Modern English translation of the Holy Bible. The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Holy Bible, first published in 1901, the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. It is in draft form and is currently being edited for accuracy and readability. All rights reserved.
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