Definition: As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 3:4. It’s a really important and symbolic piece of scripture! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about preparation and guidance . It's saying that God wants us to be ready for something significant – something that will change our lives and bring him closer. Let’s unpack the parts: “As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias…” – This refers to a prophecy (a prediction) made by the Jewish prophet Esaias. It's like a message from God that he wrote down long ago. “…saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness…” - Esaias was often described as "crying" because he was speaking about a difficult time – a time of hardship or suffering. He wasn’t boasting or showing off; he was expressing deep concern and pleading for help. “…Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” - This is the key part. Esaias prophesied that God would eventually bring about a new era – a time when people would be ready to understand and follow him. “Make his paths straight” means to clear away obstacles so that God’s way – his purpose – can be clearly seen and followed. So, what does it mean in the context of Jesus' birth? This verse is often interpreted as referring to the coming of Jesus Christ. It speaks about: The need for a new covenant: God wants to establish a new relationship with humanity, one where we can understand and follow his will. Preparing the way for Jesus: Jesus’ birth was a pivotal moment – the beginning of a new era. The verse is saying that God needs us to be ready and prepared for this new beginning by focusing on him and following his teachings. In short, it's a call to prayer and anticipation. It encourages us to be attentive to God's will and to prepare ourselves – both internally and externally – so that we can be ready to receive his blessings and guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you a related Bible verse?