Every Christmas I enjoy listening to Handel’s Messiah in its entirety. The chorus is often heard in the background: “And the glory of the Lord / Shall be revealed.”
This melody repeats over and over, a song and proclamation of God’s message of salvation. Those lyrics are taken directly from Isaiah 40:5, the opening passage of today’s reading. John, the child we read about today, was born to do this very thing: to reveal the glory of the Lord. What a beautiful prayer his father, Zechariah, speaks over his child, “you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways” (Luke 1:76).
From the beginning, his father knew the Lord had purposed his son to point others toward the Savior. And from the beginning, John knew his calling was to prepare the way for Jesus. He was the one who was sent “to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins” (Luke 1:77).
Experiencing God’s tender mercy in our lives compels us to share mercy with others.
As we move our way through the bustling season listening to Christmas songs in the background, may we keep this in mind: Like John, our purpose is to point the way toward the Savior. It may be a small act of kindness. A softly spoken word. A gift card slipped across the counter to a server. A smile or thank you to a weary salesperson.
Everyone is busy at this time of the year. We enter this season weary after a long season of wilderness. Isolation and separation have left many empty and dry like the desert. Small acts of kindness fall on parched souls, thirsty after a desert season. Our voice can reflect His voice with words of encouragement and affirmation to both strangers and friends.
What Zechariah prophesied years ago, still holds true today:
Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has visited
and provided redemption for his people.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David,
just as he spoke by the mouth
of his holy prophets in ancient times
(Luke 1:68–70).
This Christmas season, may we be a voice for the coming Messiah. One who prepares the way for others to receive the Savior born in a manger. One who reflects His glory in our countenance and gestures. May our actions and words be a melody to others, proclaiming the wonder and celebration of God’s mercy!
Leave a Reply
59 thoughts on "Born Thy People to Deliver Day 25"
“Like John, our purpose is to show and way to the Savior” Yes, yes, yes!
❤️
God, I want to be a light for You!
❤️❤️
Hallelujah ❤️
♥️
God bless you abundantly Mariann x
Thank you Victoria for all you do x
Praying Grace. He is with you x
Laurie H may God give you strength! I used to work in a hospital too before I went into 100% research. It is exhausting always but something about this time of year is always harder. Bless you.
Welcome Nikki! We are so happy to have you here! Praise God for leading you here !
♥️
As I read through the passage of Luke, I couldn’t help saying a prayer for unsaved loved ones, or the blacksliding/prodigals in my family. It’s such a burden when I think of what a great gift they do not know they miss. Christmas does come with the longing of the heart, but also sadness we might carry for those who don’t know what a gift of Jesus/gift of Life that God has generously bestowed. The gift is left unopened. Father, may You give knowledge of salvation unto those who don’t know /consider it foolish, by your tender mercy, give light to them who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death (Luke 1:79) and to guide their feet into the way of peace.
@Rhonda J- thank you. I am staying near the oven for baking and cooking, and to keep warm lol.
@Searching- I also got teary eyes too at the love and gentleness of our lovely shes. Thank you so much Searching. I am giving you a big hug. May God bless you and your family greatly with your wishes and unspoken desires.
@Gwineth52- amen, hope your bday was amazing.
@Nikki Joy- may the hunger and thirst for Jesus grow deeper and deeper every day in you. Welcome dear sister. You are a blessing to us.
Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10). Be blessed dear sisters. Much love and blessings to you and your dear families!
Welcome to the Sisterhood of Shes, Nikki. We are women of strength, substance & sincerity. We are imperfect & sinful. We come with emotional baggage & bruises. But we keep turning back to the One who sees fully & forgives us completely. We have fears & worries: monsters under the bed. There are periods of doubt…& exhortation. But we try to start anew each day & share a smile through the 24 hours. We attempt to live by faith & fortitude in word & deed. Yes, Nikki, your joining this community of believers, with open heart & questing mind, is indeed good & godly. We share generously & invite your voice. We rejoice in the Lord along side you. We sustain one another. There is “beauty, goodness & truth” here. As we read in Luke 1:80 – “the child grew up & became strong in spirit”. Because aren’t we all children, even more so at Christmastide? Thanks Shes for my December birthday wishes. As this week picks up speed, your kind words for my year ahead are especially sweet. After all, who born in December could compete with the birthday of Christ?! Amen & Amen
YAY!!!
As I read todays devotional I can’t help but think all of you women are such a light to others. I pray I can always be a light to somebody else. It’s hard to not get wrapped up in the hard seasons of life but God is so good. Wit it being a bitter -15 here in Montana I’m praying everybody can stay safe and warm!
Nikki Joy welcome and I love your testimony. You will find the women in this group very caring, loving and non-judgmental. Welcome back to the Lord, many in Heaven are rejoicing.
This was such a good devotional this morning! Just what I needed to hear. Quick update on my husband, we were able to reschedule his appointment. We won’t be driving in the blizzard today! I am so thankful for that. And his rescheduled appointment is only a month away. Thankful that we aren’t going to have to wait a long time to go. God is so good!! Praying for everyone in the Midwest. It is supposed to get bitterly cold here and have blizzard conditions. My heart hurts for those that have to get out in the weather conditions.
Grace – Praying for you. I understand agoraphobia and driving anxiety. I myself am dealing with a little agoraphobia and have been since May of this year. I haven’t been able to drive yet, but I am slowly venturing out of my house again. It does get easier. God will help you.
Nikki Joy – So amazing that God spoke to you and you listened to Him! I’m so excited for you to start your walk with God again. I’m new to commenting on here, normally I just do the studies and read comments. But something I am learning is that this is such an amazing community of women. So blessed to be a part of this community. So happy to have you here!
Laurie – Sending prayers your way!
Kenya – I echo your prayer today. My mostly grown children have all chosen paths that
What a beautiful, awe-inspiring and GOD-INSPIRING devotional. The radio station I listen to here in the Kansas City area, LIFE 88.5, every year does what they call 40 days of kindness. On their broadcast and on their website they let listeners know each day a different way to be kind to people and they encourage them to do that act of kindness that day. I try to do what ever it is most of the time the acts of kindness don’t cost you anything or very little. Some of the things are smile at a stranger; wave at the car next to you; say morning, afternoon or evening; say hi or hello; hold the door open; just simple easy to do things that maybe you didn’t think about doing that could make a difference in just one person’s life.
Sisters be blessed and go do a random act of kindness for a stranger before Christmas, you’ll be amazed how happy it will make you feel.
What a beautiful study! Lord let me be your light at Christmas this year and everyday forward.
RHONDA J – beautifully said! Looks like lots of rain in Florida, stay dry my sister.
CHURCHMOUSE – Such beautiful words that resonated with me! Thank you
DOROTHY – love to you.
GRAMIESUE – continued prayers
GRACE CALL – Prayers
NIKKI – Welcome!
SEARCHING – Hugs
I could really use prayer for my anxiety. I really struggle with anxiety and agoraphobia and driving is extremely difficult for me. I’ve suffered for so long it’s hard not to lose faith that I will ever get better! Thank you sisters!!
Niki-we are a community of believers. She Reads Truth has a podcast and study books. I don’t post very often. The next study is called “The Life of Jesus”. At this point you have to get a digital version if you want to read it in time with us.
This is absolutely amazing!! God is always working and drawing us near to him, praise God for your open heart today!
I’m praying to point towards Christ in my own family more than anything. To be an example of how to live and love and give and pray and serve to the most important people in my life – my children. I pray one day they can remember me as someone who led the way to Christ like John.
Thank you, Lord, for your constant & consistent presence in our lives. May we all remember that we, too, are deliverers of Your Word. I pray that my own son would live his life for the Lord, putting God first. Amen.
Zechariah’s song proclaimed that his son, John, would be the one who would go before the Lord, the Messiah, to prepare His ways by urging people to have their sins forgiven just as Isaiah prophesied.
As we continue to prepare for Christmas, we can prepare to celebrate the coming of Christ by:
-Remembering God’s merciful compassion toward us
-Serving Him without fear
-Serving Him in holiness and righteousness
-Serving Him in His presence all our days
-Testifying about the Light, Jesus Christ, before others
-Humbling ourselves and glorifying Christ
This morning I am reflecting on the day I hit my knees, and realized how horribly I had been living my life in relation to my dependence on God. Basically, I had no dependence on Him, Yes, he was the God of Heaven, yes, I believed in Jesus, yes I prayed and came to him when in need, YET my life was run by me. I thought I was in control of my direction, my happiness, my worth…all of it. We are to some point, but I needed more, finally, I was lost and the Spirit revealed all my pointless striving to get it right, all the pride and selfishness, all the sin, it just came suddenly right in front of me. And even now, looking back to that time, I say how God was there just waiting for me to realize it. I am thankful for the Christian friends that God put right there, at that time to swoop in and bring me to their church and small group. Another friend also came front and center that I talk to daily, but God used Me to influence her Christian walk, which in turn used her for her husband! Oh, how God works through us….we are the vessel that God uses the HS to bring people to Jesus in a new and fresh way. Let’s remember that this season, especially as we go into the new year! We can be the light people need to see, in many different ways, but let’s be intentional. Is there a hurting person in your life going through a struggle…they are on their knees waiting for someone to swoop in? Or do they need comfort in a phone call each day to pull them along? Is your husband watching your response to God’s refinement in your walk with God?
Have a wonderful day She’s!
Praising God with you Nikki!!!
Nikki! I’m so thrilled that not only did the Lord move you, but you listened! I had Him speak to me years ago in the same manner. I ran back to Him and have never regretted a moment. Praying that you will find peace in this season and be drenched in His love.
My favorite reading so far. May we reflect Him and share the love and mercy extended to us so others will know and receive the true gift.
❤️
Prepare the way. What an amazing gift this preparation of salvation and eternal life in heaven is for us, and for us to share with others. Lord, help me to see the sharing opportunities each day.
DOROTHY – today is my day to be teary eyed. Nothing particularly wrong, just feeling a bit overwhelmed as things are added to my plate. What really brought the tears though was the mention of us sisters getting together – the love I have for all you leaked out, down my face. ❤️
CHLOE – praying for your baby in NICU
RHONDA J – what a beautiful summary of all that we are and how we fit with and complement each other ❤️
KARRIE – praying that each day is better
GRAMSIESUE – praying for a healthy family
BRANDY TAUSH – welcome! Praying for your husband
PAMC – good to see you
REBECCA – praying for your health
TRACI GENDRON – your faith is an inspiration ❤️
LEHUA K – thank you for the health update, safe travels
MOLLY R – so glad you’re here, praying for the heaviness to lift, replaced with joy
MERCY – Brrrr!
JENNIFER ANAPOL – praying for contentment in this season
GWINETH52 – wishing you a belated happy birthday
JO – praying for healing
CHRISTY D – praying for you
AG – always good to see you, praying for relief from anxiety
NIKKI JOY DE ASIS – Praise the Lord! So happy for your recommitment, welcome!
LAURIE H and others in health care related jobs – THANK YOU! May the Lord continue to provide strength and wisdom
I love love loved every word of todays verses and the devotional
Nikki! Praise God! We are so thrilled for you! I will be praying for you!
Today I am grateful for my soft clothes. I have drawers and closets full of them. Each morning I wake in my soft, sleeping clothes only to have the luxury of selecting my soft working clothes, or soft weekend clothes. I was sweetly reminded by the words of Jesus just how blessed I am. As He spoke “to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? …A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in king’s houses.” (Matthew 11:7-8). Indeed. The man who would prepare the way for Jesus did not spend time in a palace wearing soft clothes. He was out in the wilderness wearing camel hair. Out in the desert, beyond all comfort, is where John “grew and became strong in spirit”. So this is my prayer today: Father God, thank You for opening the gates of Your Kingdom for me to enter. Thank You for clothing me in the softness of Your tender mercy. Use the uncomfortable and scratchy things in life to refine and prepare my heart for receiving more of Your Spirit. More of Your love. More of You. Let the joy of my salvation be enough. Make me full of Your love. Overflow Your grace in me and guide my feet in the way of peace. Until… Maranatha. Amen.
We can be whole in Christ.
♥️
@Nikki welcome and prayers for your journey. @Laurie H sending you prayers and comfort to persevere in being a light in the darkness. I love the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth. God had been silent for 400 years and what an entrance he made. Zechariah’s prayer over John is beautiful. And John had a calling since birth to prepare the way for Jesus. Praise God ♥️
@Nikki Joy praising God that you decided to recommit your life to Jesus and I pray you feel His immeasurable love and mercy <3
This is a great message as I'm VERY ready to get these last 3 days of work over with so I can enjoy 4 days of rest, spending time with family, and enjoying the Christmas season. A good reminder to let my light shine to my patients, their families, and anyone I interact with! I can rise and shine brightly when I've soaked in the Word of God. So thankful for these mornings here with you all. So thankful for Jesus :)
Praise the Lord, Nikki…sister in Christ! God is so good and He always pursues us! Thank you, Father!
When I was reading today, I couldn’t remember what the “horn” of salvation meant. I remembered it was significant and understood salvation, but not the meaning of the horn. So, I went to gotquestions.org and found this explanation which I am sharing with all of you in case you want to read it…
“ The horn of salvation is mentioned several times in the Bible, but what does this expression mean? What does salvation have to do with a horn?
In the Old Testament, the word horn signifies many things. Of course, one usage of horn was to refer to a pointed bony structure growing out of an animal’s head (Genesis 22:13). Animal horns, used for fighting, protection, and securing dominance, became symbols of strength, power, and victory. Often, Scripture’s mention of a “horn” is as a literary symbol representing potency and power.
For example, in Daniel 7:7 and 24, the ten horns of Daniel’s fourth beast represent ten kings. In Psalm 75:10, God says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.” In other words, the righteous will prevail, no matter how strong the wicked seem to be. In Jeremiah 48:25, “Moab’s horn is cut off” means that the strength of Moab is gone. The four horns in Zechariah 1:18–19 represent the powerful nations that attacked and scattered Israel.
Animal horns were also used as receptacles for oil (1 Samuel 16:1) or as a shofar trumpet (Joshua 6:5). The prayer in Psalm 92:10 contains both a reference to oil and a figurative use of horn: “You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured on me.”
In 1 Samuel 2:1 Hannah prays, “In the Lord, my horn is lifted high,” indicating the strength that will come from her having a child. In Luke 1:69 Zechariah praises God that “He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.” In this case, the “horn of salvation” is a reference to Jesus Christ, the powerful deliverer and king who was soon to be born.
Another significant instance of the word horn in the Old Testament is in reference to the protrusion at each corner of the altar (Exodus 27:2). In worship, the horns of the altar were dabbed with blood to purify them and make atonement for sin (Leviticus 8:15; 4:6). The horns of the altar speak of the power of God’s salvation. That part of the altar also became a place of refuge and sanctuary for a fugitive (1 Kings 1:50).
We often see the horn in Scripture as a symbol of salvation. Psalm 18:2 says, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” In the New Testament, Jesus is the horn of salvation (Luke 1:68–69). Thus, a title applied to Yahweh is also applied to Jesus; they are both called “the horn of salvation.” The very name Jesus means “The Lord Is Salvation.” The salvation Jesus offers is strong, triumphant, and powerful. Just like the horns on the altar offered refuge and atonement, Jesus offers clemency and cleansing through His death on the cross. However strong our spiritual foe, the horn of our salvation is stronger still.”
The Lord of our salvation. Our refuge. Our stronghold! Amen,
Nikki Joy! My name is Jennifer Joy! My heart is smiling to read your post!
Good morning, Shes! It is good to be up early, again!
It is interesting, the prophecy spoken in Like also echoes Isaiah 9:2 that we read yesterday. I read the NKJV version – “The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.”
Luke 1:78-79- “with which the Dayspring on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. ”
<3 May we remember we are called not to point at ourselves but at the One greater within us – the Everlasting Light.
Lord let Your light shine in us, through us and all around us. In Jesus name, Amen
Nikki- so thankful you are here today. What a wonderful testimony. God is using you today to bless others. Welcome Sister!
Nikki— God is so faithful to draw us near to Him in love!! Welcome. I’m so glad you’re joining us. I pray this community will be a blessing to you and that you experience God’s goodness and care for you through the words shared here.
Nikki, thank you for telling us your story. It gives me and probably a lot of other mothers hope that our children or other loved ones will reconnect and recommit. May God richly bless you.
Nikki Joy that is awesome! So glad you downloaded the app and joined us and recommitted your life to the Lord! Congratulations! This is a vast community full of wisdom and encouragement and may you feel welcome! Some of post a lot, some of not (me) but just know we are all reading God’s Word, praying for each other and shining our lights in our corner of the world!
❤️
I woke up this morning and felt the Lord moving in my heart. It led me to downloading this app. For the first time in years I opened the Bible to read the word of the Lord and read this devotion. As I journaled and prayed through today’s devotion I knew that the way I felt this morning was not a coincidence. It was the Lord working in me and redirecting my life back to him after years of walking and living in the darkness. This morning I recommitted my life back to him and I am excited to see where my journey in this chapter of life takes me. ❤️
“Experiencing God’s tender mercy in our lives compels us to share mercy with others.”
Let it be so with us all in our interactions today.
Praying for your requests Shes!
Well said Churchmouse!
LAURIE H, know that the weariness of you and your colleagues in the NHS is seen and we are so thankful ❤️
“Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning: great is Your faithfulness”- Lamentations 3:21-23.
Amen DAWN- God can use even a flicker, to shine a light in the darkness ❤️
Churchmouse, thank you for the reminder that even the tiniest light shines through the darkness. May we all shine forth today, even if all we have to give today is a flicker!
My husband used to wake our young daughters for school by saying “Rise and shine!” Not that they often did that. They were more likely to pull the blankets over their heads and beg for a few more minutes of sleep. Today’s devotion reminded me of that. God wants us to rise and shine for Him. The smallest night light in my house is invaluable when I’m walking about in the dark. So too even the smallest light we shine can advance His kingdom. We just need to throw off the blankets of fear and insecurity. Let us boldly rise and shine. This dark, dark world needs all the Light it can get.
Praying that the Lord gives you strength and joy to not just get through your days but to share his Light to those around you. So thankful for the work you do! May you have times of rest over this Christmas season x
LAURIE H. sending you love and hugs filled with gratitude and thanks for ALL you and others like you do.
Praying over you, that though the season be busy, OUR father who art in Heaven, will bless you and take you( as you do others)
Praying the Lord be kind and generous to you that He will look upon you with favour and give you peace..
❤
AG.. praying..❤
GWINETH52.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear sister.. hopefilled for the year ahead to be filled with love, hope, and wonderment..❤
LEHUA K.. Praying the trip home is a reconnecting, restorative one. Praying also for the cat and your heart to know peace in the loss of your precious dog, and also for your next appointment on Friday. A lot to carry..
BUT GOD..
God be with you ..❤
JO, REBECCA W… Get better soon wrapped in love and healing hugs..❤
MARTHA HIX..Wrapping you in prayers and hugs for today to be a good day.. ❤
MOLLY R.. Praying the heaviness is lifted in the Mighty name of Jesus..
BUT GOD..
Absolutely!❤
GRAMSIESUE.. Hugs, love and prayers to cover you and Steve today coming across the pond..❤
RHONDA J.. your words, beautiful, thank you.❤
SEARCHING..❤ My heart sings!
DOROTHY.. sending hugs wrapped in love and prayers for calm and hope in your heart.. for the tears to stop flowing and joy to replace them..❤.
Happy Wednesday my beautiful sisters around the world.. you are such a blessing to me.. Thank you..❤❤❤❤❤
Laurie! Thank you for the amazing work you do for us at NHS! I know your job can make you feel unappreciated and unseen. But our amazing God sees you and loves you infinitely and He cares for you deeply! May you know His presence and strength with you today and every day! Have a happy and blessed Christmas! Mariann x
Just what I needed to read today. I work for the NHS in England, and everyone is so tired and worn down right now. Lord, help me be Your hands and feet