Weekly Creative Devotional – Isaiah 40:3-5

This site includes links from a number of different paid/affiliate programs. When you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. We have also displayed ads on our site as a means to support our online ministry. Please be aware that some of the ads may not be appropriate for Christians.

 

Weekly Creative Devotional

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we enter the second week of Advent, help us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Your Son, Jesus. Open our eyes to the hope and joy His return brings, and teach us to live in readiness and expectation. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

REFLECTION

The Second Advent Sunday reminds us to prepare for the coming of Christ – not only as we celebrate His birth but as we anticipate His return. Isaiah’s words, later echoed by John the Baptist, call us to readiness. The preparation involves more than outward rituals; it is a call to straighten the paths of our hearts. As valleys are lifted and mountains made low, we are reminded that God’s redemption transforms every obstacle into an opportunity to reveal His glory. His coming is certain, and all will see His majesty. Are you ready to meet the King? Consider:

• What “crooked” or “rough” areas in your life need God’s refining touch?
• How can you live with greater anticipation of Christ’s return?

MEMORIZING THE VERSE

Reflect on Isaiah 40:3 (ESV): “A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'” Let this verse inspire you to actively prepare your heart for the coming of Jesus.  

CREATING AND MEDITATING

Choose a creative activity: Option 1: Advent Prayer Chain with 17 Links. Create a paper chain with 17 links, one for each day leading up to Christmas. On each link, write a prayer or a verse related to preparing for Christ’s coming. You can also write down specific actions to take as part of your preparation. Each day, remove a link and reflect on the prayer or verse as a way to prepare your heart for Jesus. Option 2: Scripture Art Meditation. Take time to create a simple piece of artwork inspired by Isaiah 40:3-5. Use watercolor, markers, or collage to illustrate the imagery of valleys, mountains, and highways. As you work, meditate on the transformation God brings to your heart and life as you prepare for His coming.  

TAKING ACTION AND APPLYING

This week, identify a specific way to “make straight” the paths in your life. Whether it’s seeking forgiveness, sharing the Gospel, or renewing your commitment to daily prayer, take a step toward living in readiness for Christ’s return.  

Hymn

 

On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry

1 On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry announces that the Lord is nigh. Awake and harken, for he brings glad tidings of the King of kings!

2 Then cleansed be every life from sin: make straight the way for God within, and let us all our hearts prepare for Christ to come and enter there.

3 We hail you as our Savior, Lord, our refuge and our great reward. Without your grace we waste away like flowers that wither and decay.

4 Stretch forth your hand, our health restore, and make us rise to fall no more. O let your face upon us shine and fill the world with love divine.

5 All praise to you, eternal Son, whose advent has our freedom won, whom with the Father we adore, and Holy Spirit, evermore.

Words: Charles Coffin, Translator: John Chandler, Music: Winchester New

 

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, as we prepare our hearts for Your coming, let us not grow weary or complacent. Refine us, guide us, and fill us with Your peace as we anticipate the day when Your glory will be fully revealed. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

---

Find more Weekly Creative Devotionals here

 

ABOUT OUR MINISTRY

We are a non-denominational Bible-believing Christian Ministry trained and equipped at the Christian Leaders Institute. Even though our Ministry is based on God's Word, the Bible, you need to approach our teachings like the Bereans and always study the Bible yourself to see if what we teach is aligned with what is written in the Bible.  

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 NIV  

We are only humans who 'stumble in many ways' (James 3:2) and we only 'know in part and we prophesy in part' (1 Corinthians 13:9).

---

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The content provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. The blog owner, Janet Giessl, is a Certified Christian Life Coach and Ordained Minister with the Christian Leaders Alliance and holds degrees in Education and Christian Leadership, along with credentials in Bible, Ministry, Philosophy, and Theology. However, Janet is not a medical doctor, licensed therapist or health care professional. The information presented on this platform is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, or prevent any disease. It is essential to understand that the content offered here is not a substitute for professional advice, whether medical, legal, financial, or from any other professional field.

Spiritual matters and personal well-being are deeply personal and can have profound effects on individuals. We strongly recommend seeking guidance from qualified professionals and prayerfully considering your own circumstances when making significant decisions in your life. The content on this blog is meant to offer insights and inspiration based on biblical principles, but it is not a replacement for professional assistance or personalized advice.

Always consult with appropriate professionals for your specific needs and circumstances.