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!
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