Get READY, The BABY is coming!

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Speak through me, Lord, so that Your truth is proclaimed. Guide my tongue, that I may lift up and not tear down. Prepare the hearts of Your people to receive Your Word with gladness. And may everything I say and do glorify You, For it is not my wisdom but Your Spirit that brings life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Introduction:

“Get ready, the baby is coming!" These are the words I vividly remember hearing from Dr. Kim Harris on the morning of January 5th, 2023, as she prepared Cenaisha and me for the possibility that our son, Davanta Junior, might be arriving that day. Y’all, I remember it like it was yesterday, packing our car with overnight bags for both Cenaisha and me, ready to stay at the hospital if Dr. Harris discovered that DJ was on his way. Cenaisha was exactly 40 weeks pregnant on January 4th, and during her appointment that morning, Dr. Harris performed a test called “The Bishop Score” to evaluate if her body was ready for labor. I’m sure y’all can imagine the mix of emotions—nervousness, and excitement filled the room. But when the results came back, and Dr. Harris said, "Get ready, the baby is coming," that nervousness for me took center stage.

Some of you sitting here this morning know exactly what that feels like—the mix of excitement and nervousness while waiting in anticipation for something good to happen. Maybe you’re waiting for the news that your child is coming home for Christmas after being locked up. Maybe you’ve been hoping to hear that the cancer treatments worked and you’re finally cancer-free. Or perhaps you’ve been praying for a miracle—that someone would step in to sponsor your family this Christmas, lifting the weight of stress and worry off your shoulders. Whatever it is, we’re all waiting in anticipation for something good to happen.

And just as Dr. Harris’ words called us into preparation, Isaiah’s words this morning call us into a spiritual preparation. He speaks to a people living in the wilderness—not just a physical place, but the out-of-order-places in their lives. And the good news is this: In the midst of the wilderness, we are called to prepare for the arrival of Jesus, the one who restores order to what is out of order, transforming our lives and the world to reveal God’s glory.

Whether it’s the chaos of uncertainty, the wilderness of waiting, or the brokenness we carry, Isaiah reminds us that the baby coming will bring order to the disorder. Even in the midst of all that feels out of place, there’s hope. The baby is coming, and we must get ready.

Isaiah begins with a bold declaration: “A voice cries out in the wilderness.” This isn’t a soft whisper—it’s an urgent call demanding attention. It’s a divine announcement that something is about to happen, something that will transform the wilderness spaces in our lives. But before we can prepare, we must first recognize the voice. Who is this voice? What does it mean to cry out in the wilderness? And what is this voice calling us to do?

Move 1: RECOGNIZING THE ANNOUNCEMENT

In the New Testament, we see this prophecy fulfilled through John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus. John’s voice didn’t just cry out for attention—it cried out with purpose: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord.’ He wasn’t in the comfort of a temple or standing in a crowded city square; he was out in the wilderness, crying out to people who were desperate for hope and direction.

Church, that cry doesn’t stop with Isaiah or John the Baptist. That cry didn’t fade away after the pages of scripture were written. No, that cry echoes into our lives today. It’s the same voice calling out to each of us: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord.’ It’s urging us to pay attention, to get ready, because the arrival of Jesus is not just a historical moment—it’s a present reality that changes everything.

Now if I can be honest, the urgency of those words, ‘Get ready,’ has a way of hitting you differently. Y’all, when Dr. Harris told me, ‘Get ready, the baby is coming,’ I felt nervous. And do you know why? Because I realized if I had to get ready in that moment, then maybe I wasn’t as ready as I thought I was. That nervousness hit me because I started doubting: Was I really prepared for this life-changing event? Had I done enough? Was I ready for something this good to happen in my life?

And some of you sitting here today know exactly how that feels. You’ve had moments in life where you were forced to get ready for something exciting, but instead of feeling joy, you felt nervousness or even fear. Maybe it was a job opportunity you’d been praying for, but when it came, you weren’t sure if you were ready. Maybe it was the chance to start over after a hard season, but the weight of your wilderness made you doubt whether you could handle the blessing. It’s hard to prepare for something good when nothing but bad stuff has been happening around you.

The wilderness—the Ba-Midbar, the ‘out-of-order-place’—has a way of making you feel stuck. The lack of income, the trauma from childhood, the pain of a bad divorce, or the heartbreak of losing someone you love—those out-of-order-places can make your wilderness feel like a place of doom. It’s hard to imagine preparing for something good when your wilderness feels overwhelming.

But here’s the good news: God’s voice is not limited by your wilderness. God’s voice takes on many forms to reach you, even in the chaos. God speaks through the living Word. God speaks through the people closest to you with words of confirmation. And God’s voice always finds a way to break through the noise and distractions of your wilderness. If you’re struggling to hear God’s voice right now, take a moment to look back. Reflect on where God has brought you from. Remember how God spoke to you the last time, how God ministered to your wounds in a previous season. Start giving thanks and praise, and it’s in that gratitude that you’ll begin to feel God’s grace and love, shaping your heart to hear His voice now in the chaos you face today.

So the question remains: Are you hearing the cry? Are you recognizing God’s voice in your wilderness? Or are you so caught up in the distractions, the pain, or the fear that you’ve tuned it out? Because this cry is urgent—it’s a divine interruption. It’s God breaking through the chaos to say: ‘I see where you are. I know what you’re going through. But I’m coming. I’m about to bring restoration. I’m about to put in order what has been out of order for too long.’

When Dr. Harris spoke those words to me, ‘Get ready,’ I realized I had to pause and listen. I couldn’t keep moving like nothing had changed. The first step to getting ready was recognizing the announcement. I had to hear it, acknowledge it, and let it shift my focus. And this morning, church, that same voice is calling you. It’s calling you to pause, to pay attention, and to get ready. God’s voice is breaking through your wilderness, your chaos, your doubts, and your fears. And it’s saying: ‘Get ready, the baby is coming.’

But here’s the thing—the cry doesn’t stop there. Isaiah doesn’t just say, ‘A voice cries out.’ He gives us instructions. He tells us what to do next. The cry demands action. It demands preparation. And that brings us to our next move: What does it mean to prepare the way of the Lord?

Move 2: Engaging in Preparation

When Dr. Harris told me to “Get ready,” the announcement didn’t just leave me sitting there in nervousness. It called me into action. Y’all, I had to start moving. I double-checked the hospital bag, made sure the car seat was secured, and mentally prepared myself for the journey ahead. That announcement wasn’t just a message—it was a call to get up and do something.

And that’s exactly what Isaiah does in this text. He doesn’t just say, “A voice cries out.” He follows with instructions: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Now, church, I want you to catch this—preparation is not passive. It’s not waiting around hoping everything will fall into place. Preparation is active. It’s intentional. And Isaiah gives us a blueprint for what this preparation looks like: lifting valleys, lowering mountains, and making rough places plain.

Lifting the Valleys

Isaiah says, “Every valley shall be lifted up.” Valleys are the low places in our lives—the areas we try to hide, the struggles we don’t want anyone to see. These are the places where we feel small, insignificant, or unworthy. But let me tell you something: lifting the valleys is not about ignoring those parts of ourselves—it’s about surrendering them to God.

When Isaiah says, “Every valley shall be lifted up,” he’s calling us to devote every part of ourselves to the Lord. That means the parts of us we’re proud of and the parts we’re ashamed of. The good and the bad. The public and the private. It means saying to God: “Lord, I’m bringing you my fears, my doubts, my pain, and even my failures. I’m not holding anything back because I know that you can take what’s low and lift it up for your glory.”

Church, this lifting isn’t just physical—it’s spiritual. It’s the act of rising to the occasion, of being vulnerable enough to say, “Lord, here I am. Use me, shape me, and prepare me for what’s coming.” What valleys in your life need to be lifted? Is it the shame of a mistake you made long ago? Is it the fear that you’ll never be enough? Is it the hidden grief of losing someone you love? Whatever it is, lift it up to God. Because those valleys—the very parts of you that feel unworthy—are the places where God’s work can shine the brightest.

Lowering the Mountains

Next, Isaiah says, “Every mountain and hill shall be made low.” Mountains represent the things in our lives that are elevated too high—our pride, our self-reliance, and anything that stands in the way of our relationship with God. These mountains might not always seem obvious, but they are the attitudes, behaviors, and priorities that don’t align with God’s will.

Isaiah’s call to lower and level every mountain, hill, and uneven ground is more than just imagery—it’s a challenge. It’s a challenge to behave in a way that does not degrade or belittle God so that we might be upright with Him. That means examining how we speak, how we act, and how we live our lives. Are our conversations uplifting and God-honoring, or do they tear others down and diminish God’s presence in our lives? Do our actions reflect humility, or do they display arrogance and entitlement? Church, lowering the mountains requires us to check ourselves daily and say, “Lord, take anything in me that misrepresents you and bring it low.”

But this isn’t just about us. Lowering mountains also creates a clear path for others to see and experience God. Think about it—when we humble ourselves and remove the barriers we’ve built, we make it easier for others to encounter Jesus. So lowering the mountains isn’t just a personal act; it’s a communal one. It’s about creating a pathway where everyone—especially those who’ve felt excluded—can come to know the love and grace of God.

What mountains need to come down in your life? Is it pride that keeps you from apologizing or admitting when you’re wrong? Is it the need to always be in control? Is it a behavior or attitude that diminishes your witness to God’s goodness? Church, preparing the way of the Lord means tearing down what stands too tall and making room for God to reign.

Making Rough Places Plain

Finally, Isaiah says, “The rough places shall be made plain.” Church, the rough places in this text represent the tangled, messy, and chaotic areas of our lives—the things that bind us and keep us from fully receiving Jesus.

And here’s what Isaiah is calling us to do: “Split apart what is bound together.” In other words, there are some things, some places, some people, some choices, and some ideas that we’ve allowed to bind us—things that have tied us up spiritually, emotionally, or even physically. And if we’re going to get ready to receive the gift we have in Jesus Christ, we must sever those ties. We have to let go of what’s been holding us back so we can move forward into what God has for us.

This isn’t easy work. Splitting apart what is bound together requires courage, honesty, and prayer. It might mean walking away from a toxic relationship that’s draining your spirit. It might mean breaking free from habits or addictions that keep you stuck. It might mean letting go of ideas or mindsets that don’t align with God’s truth. Whatever it is, the call is clear: to make the rough places plain, we have to do the hard work of separating ourselves from what’s not of God.

What rough places need to be made plain in your life? What has been binding you and keeping you from fully experiencing the gift of Jesus Christ? Is it fear? Is it resentment? Is it a relationship or a mindset that keeps pulling you away from God? Church, now is the time to let it go. Now is the time to make those rough places plain so you can prepare the way of the Lord.

Church, preparing the way of the Lord requires action. It means lifting the valleys by surrendering the deepest parts of ourselves to God. It means lowering the mountains by living in a way that honors God and clears a path for others. And it means making the rough places plain by severing ties with anything that holds us back. This is not easy work, but it’s holy work. And when we do it, we create a straight path for Jesus to enter our lives.

Move 3: Celebrating the Revelation

Church, preparation is not the end of the story. Isaiah gives us a promise in verse 5: “Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” This is the outcome of the preparation—the moment when everything we’ve been working toward is fulfilled.

Isaiah tells us that when we lift the valleys, lower and level the mountains, hills, and uneven ground, and split apart what has been bound together, something incredible happens. The abundance—or as Isaiah poetically describes it, the bosom—of the Lord is uncovered. This isn’t just a glimpse of God’s glory; it’s an overflowing, transformative revelation. And church, this revelation isn’t for a select few—it’s for all flesh. Everyone, including those who’ve been living in the “out-of-order-places” of life, will see this glory together.

The Glory of the Lord Shall Be Revealed

Isaiah is speaking of the fullness of God’s presence, power, and majesty being unveiled for the world to see. For Israel, this meant restoration after exile—a return to their homeland and a renewal of their covenant with God. But for us, this promise takes on an even greater meaning: the arrival of Jesus Christ.

John 1:14 declares, “The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” Church, the glory of the Lord is not abstract—it’s personal. It’s revealed in Jesus, the baby we’re preparing for this Advent season. Jesus is the embodiment of God’s glory, and His coming brings grace and restoration to a world in desperate need.

All Flesh Shall See It Together

Isaiah doesn’t just say that God’s glory will be revealed; he says, “All flesh shall see it together.” This is a communal revelation. It’s not just for one group of people or one individual—it’s for everyone. The lifting of valleys and the lowering of mountains aren’t just personal acts—they’re part of a greater work that allows everyone, especially those living in the “out-of-order-places,” to see God’s glory.

This vision challenges us. It reminds us that our preparation—the lifting, the leveling, the splitting apart—is not just for our benefit. It’s for the benefit of the whole community. When we prepare the way of the Lord, we create space for others to encounter God’s glory. Our obedience becomes a witness, and our transformation becomes an invitation for others to join in the promise.

For the Mouth of the Lord Has Spoken

Isaiah ends this promise with authority: “For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Church, this is not just a wish or a possibility—it’s a divine guarantee. When God speaks, His word does not return void. If God has declared that His glory will be revealed, you can trust that it will happen. And that same God who promised restoration to Israel and fulfilled it through Jesus is still speaking today. He’s speaking to your wilderness, your valleys, your mountains, and your rough places, declaring: “My glory will be revealed.”

Church, this is why we celebrate. The preparation we’ve been called to—the lifting, the lowering, the splitting apart—is leading us to this moment of revelation. The promise of Isaiah 40:5 is that God’s glory will not just be seen—it will be experienced by all of us, together. So today, I invite you to hold onto that promise. No matter what “out-of-order-place” you’ve been living in, the glory of the Lord is coming, and it will transform everything.

Conclusion

I know why some of y’all are sitting quiet—you’re wondering, “Well, Pastor, what happened after you and Lady C got to the hospital? What happened after she took the Bishop Score test?” Let me tell you how it all unfolded. Dr. Harris looked at Cenaisha and said, “Based on the scores of this test, we’re going to have to induce you.” I turned to Dr. Harris and said, “So you’re saying the baby is coming?” She nodded her head and said, “Yes, but only with a little help.”

Y’all, they rushed us upstairs to the delivery room, got Lady C settled, and began the process. The nurses said, “We’re going to give you a little help so you can have this baby.” And let me tell you, church, she labored all night long. In fact, she labored for 18 hours and 22 minutes. Around 7:10am on Thursday, January 5th, 2023, Dr. Harris walked into the room.

Now, this wasn’t just any moment—this childbirth experience changed my life forever as I watched it, and it changed Lady C’s life forever as she lived through it. But remember, Dr. Harris had told us the day before that the baby was coming, but it would take some help.

So there they were, back and forth. Dr. Harris said, “Push!” and Lady C said, “Oh no, this is horrible!” Dr. Harris encouraged her again: “Cenaisha, you have to push so you can have this baby.” She pushed, and with every push, the pain intensified. Then Dr. Harris said, “I see the baby’s head! You have to keep pushing.” Tears streamed down Lady C’s face—she was tired, she was afraid, she was over it. But with the help of Dr. Harris, she pushed one last time. And then Dr. Harris turned to me and said, “Get ready, here comes the baby!” Church, at that moment, the room erupted. Lady C, my mother-in-law, and I all started crying uncontrollably because what we had been anticipating, what we had been waiting for, had finally arrived. The baby was here.

And someone here today, you’re in the delivery room called the wilderness. You’re tired, and you don’t want to keep pushing. You’ve been laboring and struggling, and you feel like the pain is too much to bear. But I came to tell you: Don’t throw in the towel now. The baby is coming! Dr. Harris told us, “The baby is coming, but only with a little help.” And church, the same is true for us. The work of lifting the valleys, lowering the mountains, and making the rough places plain is not something we can do alone. It takes help. And that help is Jesus.

Jesus is the one who strengthens you when you’re weak. Jesus is the one who encourages you when you feel like giving up. Jesus is the one who guides you when the path seems unclear. Just like Dr. Harris helped Lady C through every contraction, through every push, until the baby arrived, Jesus is right there with you, helping you every step of the way.

So don’t give up now. You’ve already lifted the valleys, you’ve already lowered the mountains, you’ve already made the rough places plain. And now, with the help of Jesus, you can push through this wilderness season. God is saying: “Get ready, here comes the baby!”

And church, let me remind you of these words:

In times like these, we need a Savior;

In times like these, we need an anchor.

Be very sure, be very sure,

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

This Rock is Jesus, yes, He’s the One.

This Rock is Jesus, the only One!

Be very sure, be very sure,

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!