Born Thy People to Deliver Day 25
Open Your Bible
Isaiah 40:3-5, Luke 1:57-80, John 1:6-9, John 1:15, Matthew 11:1-10
BY Vina Mogg
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!
59 thoughts on "Born Thy People to Deliver Day 25"
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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
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YAY!!!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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Kenya – I echo your prayer today. My mostly grown children have all chosen paths that
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