Luke 1  The book of Luke, written by the gentile doctor who walked with Paul, is a historical, researched account of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Luke "investigated everything carefully".  He wanted to write it in "consecutive order",  so that " you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught." 

So, Luke starts out with the first big thing that the Lord does in this new era.. the birth of John the Baptist.  John is to be the "forerunner .. in the spirit and power of Elijah".  His mission was to "make ready a people prepared for the Lord".  Zacharias, filled with the Holy Spirit, said this about his newborn son, " And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways; To give His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercies of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high shall visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness, and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." ( v76-79)

Later on, Luke will write about the ministry of John. About how he preached "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins;" ( v:3) John announced the coming of the Lamb of God.
"but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals;"  Verse 18 of chapter 3 says, ".. he preached the gospel to the people." 

John was only a few months older than Jesus, so he was 30 years old, living in the desert, alone until the day of "his public appearance to Israel."  His birth was miraculous. The announcement of His birth was wondrous.  His message was vital.  His life was completely surrendered to the Lord.  As the son of a priest,  John should have been serving in the temple, but his ministry was ordained by the Lord, outside of the corrupted religious leadership .   He had been filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother's womb.. and he never seemed to turn from his calling, even though he struggled as we all do.

Our hearts must be made ready for the gospel, for the message of Jesus Christ.   The way is prepared by the truth of our need for repentance.. for the forgiveness of sins.  We all sit in darkness.  We are surrounded by the shadow of death.  But, God in His mercy, has sent a Light!  Before we can repent, we must recognize and acknowledge our sinfulness.. what we need to repent from... When we truly repent, there will be "fruit" that will be evident - goodness, kindness, justice, and peace.  The good news is that God has sent His Son to purchase our salvation.   John preached that it begins with repentance.  Luke wanted to make sure that we get first things first.

Father in heaven, thank You for the great salvation that You have provided in Christ our Lord.  Thank You for the gift of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  Help us to comprehend the greatness of this truth!  Help us to live in the Spirit and to bear the fruit of repentance and salvation for the glory of Your Name.  Help us to always exalt You and honor You, to put You first in our lives, even as John did. May we also preach the good news to the people who You bring into our lives.  In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.