Preparation helps. When I’m cooking, I’m always thankful to have a recipe, as it tells me how to prepare the ingredients. If I’m traveling, it’s helpful to prepare by looking at a map and reading reports from other travelers. The Bible prepares us for recognizing the Messiah. Apparently God didn’t want us to miss His arrival.

The entire Old Testament serves as preparation for receiving the Messiah. We’re given specific pieces of information about where (Bethlehem) and how (through a miraculous birth) He’ll arrive. Numerous events, images, and types foreshadow the climactic event of Scripture. And we’re told of the Messiah’s ancestors through detailed genealogies.

Matthew began his account of the Messiah’s life with a genealogy because he was writing primarily for Jewish readers. They were used to reading genealogies in their Scriptures and would feel at home with them. A list of names going all the way back to Abraham would prepare them to see Matthew’s book as a continuation of their Scriptures.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, we should be careful not to focus all our energies on household decorations or gift purchases. Let us prepare our hearts as well. That might include examining our darkest sins to prepare for the wonder of forgiveness. Or it might mean exploring our doubts in order to seek diligently to find answers that satisfy more than just our intellect. Advent can prepare us for a deeper experience of Christmas.