Love Makes Room
My First paragraph with bold text.
Day 8 Love Makes Room
Isaiah 40:3-5, MSG Thunder in the desert! “Prepare for God’s arrival! Make the road straight and smooth, a highway fit for our God. Fill in the valleys, level off the hills, Smooth out the ruts, clear out the rocks. Then God’s bright glory will shine and everyone will see it. Yes. Just as God has said.”
Road construction seems to pop up everywhere lately. On highways, backroads, even quiet neighborhood streets. It feels like there’s always another detour, especially when we’re running late. One minute we’re cruising, and the next we’re crawling, merging into narrowed lanes, zigzagging around orange barrels, weaving between barricades, and wondering, why can’t they just finish this already?
But underneath the frustration lies purpose. Those crews are making room—widening lanes, smoothing rough spots, and preparing for what’s ahead in population growth. They’re creating space for something better and greater.
In Isaiah’s day, messengers also went to clear debris and fill ruts before a king’s arrival. The road needed to be ready for royalty’s coming and entrance into the city. Isaiah used that image to call God’s people to spiritual preparation as well: “Prepare the way of the Lord.”
Advent carries the same invitation. It’s a season of road work for the soul. A time to clear what blocks love’s path and make room for Christ to come near.
Love is what builds the road. It makes room for others, for stillness, for the surprising ways God shows up in ordinary life. Sometimes it means slowing down long enough to notice who’s left on the margins. Other times, it means clearing away our hurry, pride, or resentment so peace can take root.
Preparing the way of the Lord isn’t only about getting ready. It’s about making room. Love smooths rough places, widens narrow hearts, and paves a clear path for God’s presence to travel straight into our lives.
Reflect: What needs clearing or rearranging in your heart this season to make room for Love to enter and stay?
Pray: Lord, help me prepare and pave the road of my heart with love. Smooth the rough places where fear and hurry take root. Fill the space I make for You with Your peace, purpose, and presence. Amen.
Gloria Ashby Lay Leader