Read:
When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her.
When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!”
“What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.” So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.” Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God!
Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy:
“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has visited and redeemed his people.
He has sent us a mighty Savior
from the royal line of his servant David,
just as he promised
through his holy prophets long ago.
Now we will be saved from our enemies
and from all who hate us.
He has been merciful to our ancestors
by remembering his sacred covenant~
the covenant he swore with an oath
to our ancestor Abraham.
We have been rescued from our enemies
so we can serve God without fear,
in holiness and righteousness
for as long as we live.And you, my little son,
will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
You will tell his people how to find salvation
through forgiveness of their sins.
Because of God’s tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace.”John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.
~Luke 1:57-80 (NLT)
Consider:
After the birth of his son, Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied both his son’s future as well as the birth of God’s promised Savior, Jesus.
And you, my little son,
will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
You will tell his people how to find salvation
through forgiveness of their sins.
Because of God’s tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace.
Just a few months later, the light of heaven pierced the darkness. At first it appeared as a bright star shining over a manger in Bethlehem. But as Jesus grew up, He shined the light of God’s love to everyone around Him. God’s love shined through Him to a Samaritan woman beside a well. That same love noticed a suffering and overlooked woman who touched the hem of His robe. It shined through to a shame-filled woman caught in adultery. And eventually that same light pierced into the darkness of death and lit the way to life!
Zechariah’s son, John, received the privilege and calling to prepare the way for Jesus, the Light of the World. Even though God sent John first, he understood that he was not “#1”. His main purpose was to prepare the people’s hearts for Jesus. John himself tells us:
You yourselves know how plainly I told you, “I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.” It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
~John 3:28-30
“I must become less and less.” Such important words for us to remember this Christmas. The things we care about, the traditions we enjoy, should receive less focus than the One who shines light into the darkness. Yes, we can enjoy Christmas with our family and loved ones, but our first priority should be to help prepare other’s hearts for Jesus. This Christmas may we each do our part to point others to the Light of the World~Jesus!
Breathe:
Breathe in His love…exhale all your struggles…
What is your main focus this Christmas season? Take time to allow God’s light to fill your soul. Prepare your own heart for Jesus so you can help point others to Him.
Journal:
1. How can you prepare your heart for Jesus this Christmas?
2. How can you help prepare others and point them to Jesus?
3. Do you have a favorite Christmas song that reminds you of God’s gift of Jesus? Take time to download it today and listen to it during the coming week. Sing along and lift your voice in praise to the Light of the World!
Pray:
Our Heavenly Father~Thank you for sending Your light into the world. The light of Your love pierces through the darkness of all our sin and shame. Your light shines hope into our hearts and brings peace into our lives! Prepare our hearts to receive your love and mercy. Fill us up so we can prepare others for the glorious gift of Your love this Christmas. In Jesus’ name we pray…Amen~
Comment:
How have you witnessed God’s light of love piercing the darkness?