John the Baptist led an extraordinary life. His very existence was a miracle. God showed mercy to his barren mother, Elizabeth, when she conceived a son in her old age (Luke 1:58). John was chosen to be the prophet who directly preceded Jesus, foretelling the love and mercy that was coming with His arrival (Luke 1:76). John got to be the one who walked on the earth with the long-awaited Messiah, and he even got to baptize Jesus.
But even with the mountaintop highs of John’s biography, he wasn’t so different from you and me. He was a mere man who experienced doubt and fear. Matthew 11 chronicles the end of John’s miraculous life. John was the victim of an evil plot and was put in prison by King Herod. As he sat and awaited his fate, he questioned if he got it wrong. His suffering was troubling his beliefs, and he wondered if he proclaimed victory and mercy over the wrong person. John asked his disciples to go to Jesus to ask Him this poignant question,
“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3)
Have you ever struggled to believe this too? We are days away from remembering the birth of Christ. Christmas is a beautiful season, and at the same time, it can highlight unmet expectations, disappointment, and sorrow. In the midst of our harried, chaotic, and broken lives, we might find ourselves asking if He is the One we have been looking for. Or, shall we too look for another?
Jesus graciously and compassionately answered John by reminding him of Scripture’s promises—promises from the prophet Isaiah that John would have known intimately. He reminded him of all He had done in His years on the earth, all He had done in the past, and all He would do for every saint from then until God makes everything new again. God has dealt mercifully with His people in fulfilling His covenant with Abraham through Jesus (Luke 1:72-73).
Today, let the Holy Spirit whisper to your heart what Scripture promises. He is the One we should be looking to. Our own strength, Instagram hacks, and perfect to-do lists aren’t going to cut it. Jesus is where life is. He is the only remedy for our sin and brokenness. Meditate on His mercy until it overwhelms your heart with gratitude. God’s mercy to us is boundless, and He is merciful to use man in His redemption plans. He used John the Baptist, and He uses you and me. He is merciful when we sin and doubt; He lavishes us with compassion rather than judgment. He is merciful to save our dead souls.
In the likeness of Christ, He raises our dead souls to life, so we can spend eternity with Him. Christmastime is blanketed in light—allow the season’s decorations to remind you of who you are in Christ. He’s chosen us to be with Him—in His light.
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93 thoughts on "Love Foretold"
Amen
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John had his moments… Boy that speaks to this girl right here! For sure. Lord. May 2025 come with moments but may I do what John did… He didn’t run from you he pressed in closer, he asked the questions! He got His answers!
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Jesus is merciful when we sin and doubt.
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I am still stuck with a mountain size of work. I want to prep for the holiday but my mind is just thinking about work. I would appreciate your prayers. Many unexpected decisions of others have left me here. Many of my coworkers have signed off for the holidays, and I am frozen here. I am praying they can hire more staff in January. Jesus please send help! Thank you shes. I hope you are having peace and joy this season. Praise the Lord for the GIFT of Jesus, forever and ever I am thankful for the Gift from above.
I’ve been there, dear sister. So sorry you’re struggling. You will be in my prayers. For strength, and that you will feel Him in it with you.
I’ve been thinking about these passages all day since I read them this morning, and the thing I keep coming back to is the timing in which Zechariah’s voice was restored. It’s not as soon as the baby is born; it’s restored once he writes that his son’s name is John, as commanded by Gabriel from the Lord. We see Elizabeth and Zechariah both questioned on this decision as it went against the cultural norm and tradition of naming children after family, but they both remain faithful to the plan God designed. Zechariah didn’t know when, or even if, his voice would be restored, but he follows the Lord’s direction anyway. Sometimes our doubt can have consequences, but the Lord is always there to guide us and welcome us back to his plan with love and compassion.
Oh how wonderful that God will not only meet us with compassion when we have doubts, but use us in His story.
Today’s readings reminded me of my previous doubt and now my biggest blessings!
Four years ago, I bought a necklace with a mustard seed inside the charm. I was pressing into my faith that had dwindled that small that I would someday be healthy enough to have a child, whether that was through my own body or adoption. Fast forward 8 months, I had a dream that I introduced my new baby named E.R., to my parents in the hospital. Fast forward to today, I’m writing this while watching on the monitor toddler E.R. play with her dolls instead of taking her nap. And I still have that necklace.
What a blessing God is not only compassionate in our doubt but blesses us beyond what we could imagine.
Wow…amazing. What a testimony ❤️
This encourages me so much! Thank you. ❤️
He is so good to give us purpose for our lives. It is amazing that He allows us to join Him in His mighty plan to draw people to Him. I pray that I can be sensitive to His leading in all that He has for me to do.
I agree! I so want to by sensitive to his leaving!
“JESUS is where life is”. “Meditate on His mercy until it overwhelms your heart.” WELL said Kasey Moffett from this mornings devotion. My heart is overwhelmed in a GREAT way! TODAY is my first day off for the next 2 weeks for the Christmas break. I purposely set my alarm one-hour-later then normal, but still early as my brother was coming here by 5:45 am to drop something off, it took me a awhile to get settled in to my quiet spot by the tree, followed by a text message from my friend Gretchen who wanted to know the my “good-news”. So here I am commenting later then normal! WORDS can not express (I’m tearing up) what I want to convey to ALL-OF-YOU my BEAUTIFUL SHE’s!! So here goes: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Last night I received a text message from our dear Rhonda J. We both live on opposite sides of the U.S. She in Florida and me in California! Just this week, we exchanged phone numbers! OK…back to what I want to say. Our dear Rhonda J text to let me know (tearing up again) that many of you She’s (beautiful She’s) all together collected a GREAT sum of huge BLESSING so that I can buy clothes or whatever I needed! I still can’t believe it!! We are all strangers yet we are not because of this BEAUTIFUL community of SHE’s!! On December 18, I had commented how my kids took my measurements and went through my clothes to see what fits and what doesn’t (my body parts shifted and gained since I broke my ankle 3 years ago and never was the same again). They wanted to see what clothing items I need so they can get them for me for Christmas! I am beyond words! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, to you ALL!! On this side of heaven we will probably not meet in person, but can’t wait to meet you ALL someday when we all get to Heaven and give you ALL a HUGE hug!! My son Caleb said it just right: “Mom this is your Christmas miracle!”
AND my daughter said: “MOM this is your version of the movie: “Its a Wonderful Life” expect you weren’t trying to jump off a bridge” WE watch this every Christmas eve. Last year the old State Theater downtown was showing it so we went to see it on the big screen. We decided we would watch it there every year. So tomorrow morning at 10AM we’ll go see it! THANK YOU ALL again! My heart is overflowing!
♥️♥️♥️ So JOY-filled for you!! Merry Christmas!
God is so good and meets our needs exceedingly above all we can think or imagine. You are truly loved and SRT sisters are the hands and feet of Jesus providing you with your Christmas Miracle. ♥️
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Thank you MARI V for sharing the sweet sentiment. “It’s a wonderful life” is also my go-to Xmas movie. Thank you RHONDA! This made me tear up too.
Oh my! That is amazing! This community is truly a blessing❤️
Truly a community of sisters ❤️
It’s such a blessing to bless others and hear the reaction to that blessing. God is so very faithful.
All day yesterday I was Thankful for His mercy over me and always amazed by His love. Love you Shes
Merry Christmas!
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“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
1 Peter 2:9-10 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1pe.2.9-10.ESV
I want to thank all of you for such kind comments yesterday. Last night my husband and I started waffling, thinking we should wait. But I think the timing is right for Stella. It will be at 2:00 mountain time today. I type this with tears falling down my face.
I’ll be praying, Traci ❤️
I haven’t been back to comment after my early morning reading. My heart hurts for you, Traci, realizing this just happened. Big hugs of comfort tonight and I will pet our kitty an extra bit tonight – just for Stella! ❤❤❤
So sorry, Traci. I know how heartbreaking this is. Praying for God’s comfort.
Praying dear Traci.
So forever grateful that God made a way for us. He gave us the knowledge of salvation, through forgiveness of sins. All because of His tender mercies – He has shined the light of His Son on us, and He guides us in the path of peace – Hallelujah, Thank you Jesus!! …I am so undeserving of God’s love, yet He loves me so much He sent Jesus to die for my sin and the sins of the world. Praise God for His redeeming grace.
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Happy Christmas Eve, Eve sweet sisters!
Praying for all your requests. ❤️
Hi Sharon ! Merry Christmas! I’m a Jersey girl too. I live on the Delaware bay in a little town called Greenwich.
As I sit here in the quiet before my out of town family wakes up I am so thankful God has included me in his plan of redemption.
GM! So many good things to ponder from this devotion today!
The point of disbelief from Zachariah, no speaking for 9 mos! ouch!
God’s great Mercy- the great gift that we shall have mercy and forgiveness through Jesus on the cross, for eternal life!
When suffering and things a mess in our life- we start to question it all!
Lord, once again we are confounded by the simple and the complex, trying to make sense of it all- yet, I want to simply rest in your presence this morning. In the knowing that I don’t need to question and be anxious, or fearful—I have the Holy Spirit in me to give me peace, and to focus on the love given to me. The greatest gift of all, I need no other gifts this Christmas. No parties, or spirits, no distractions..just you Lord. I am unremarkable Lord, BUT God- rich in Mercy, you let me be a part of your miraculous plan!! I am humbled and blessed, may I be faithful, strong, and courageous!! As all my sisters She’s, bless them Lord, giving them favor! In Jesus name!
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Traci – oh, my heart breaks for you. I lost a dog 2 years ago in December. Such a hard time. But seeing them suffer is so difficult too. Nothing about this is easy. May the Good Lord give you strength, and may He comfort you in your grief.
Thank you so much Kris. Yes, the timing with Christmas is extra hard. I’m sorry about your loss as well.
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The passage from 1 Peter really speaks to me today. “Now you are God’s people, Now you have received mercy”. This comes from Hosea, where Gomer repeatedly leaves her husband and prostitutes herself. But Hosea goes to her and buys her back – he pays the price to redeem her. Such a powerful story. And God has done the same for us. He has purchased our redemption – we are now called Children of God, and we have received His mercy. O, what a beautiful time of year to remember what Jesus did for us.
“He is the One we should be looking to…”
This is just what I need to rest on. Thank you, Lord, that you are always the One I can look to.
Our suffering does trouble our beliefs. But when we rest in God‘s promises, it’s blanketed with peace that passes all understanding. Glory be to God on high! So thankful today and every day that he is the way, the truth, and the life! Merry Christmas, everyone.
Oh Father, thank you for Jesus and the gift of Mercy and Grace. Thank You for meeting me where I am in the highs and lows, the faith peaks and valleys doubts. I need You. In Jesus mighty saving and peace giving name, Amen
Amen
I’ve never thought about this before- so interesting!
I sometimes find myself wondering ‘why’ God chose to unfold His plan certain ways. Why John the Baptist, why Jesus’s humble beginnings…and this morning that led into Why me? And that is the hard part and yet the glorious gift – that God would choose me, make me part of this plan is such a merciful, loving decision when I clearly don’t deserve it. I watched a video the other day with a gentleman describing what it’s like to let your young kids ‘help’ with a task. They are messy and clearly lack the ability to complete the task with perfection but the parent’s joy in watching their children TRY to help, radiates love. And that’s what I imagine God sees in me. Yes, I can meditate on his mercy until it overwhelms my heart with gratitude!
Lori what a perfect analogy to how we work for God. So messy, many times getting it wrong… I just make a gingerbread house with my 3 year old nephew. It looked nothing like the picture on the box! But how much joy I had seeing him do it.
That’s exactly the image Tami!
That is a great anology. Thank you for sharing.
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Kasey your last two paragraphs hit me right where I am this morning after two sleepless nights. I need the reminder of God’s love and mercy. Even in those nights Father God you were with me.
Praying now…that you will be refreshed and strengthened for today… That you will have “rest breaks” in your day that provide the renewal that you need…also praying that even now you are being prepared for a restful night’s sleep… and that you will actually experience it!! ♥️
❤️ Thank you Carol! He is with me always and He sees me!
Love the account of Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were “were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord.”
Like Job and Joseph, they are such great examples of being faithful to God and His covenant despite their circumstances.
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LYNN FROM AL – hope you are feeling better.
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TRACI GENDRON – praying you have peace today as you show mercy to your furry friend and say goodbye.
Thank you Kelly. It’s just so sad.
He is the only remedy for our sin and brokenness.
This line: His (John the Baptist) suffering was troubling his beliefs, and he wondered if he proclaimed victory and mercy over the wrong person.
Gosh, how many times do I start to question God when things are going terribly wrong? It is comforting to know that John did the same thing, but I love how Jesus answered him, reminding him of what He has done and what Scripture says about Him. Going through a bit of a rough patch right now, and although my faith is strong and steady, my spirit feels a bit unsettled. I need to focus on the faithfulness of God throughout my life and hold onto the promises of Scripture that all things will work out for my good and that I am His child and He is holding me close.
Laura – that struck me too. I had never looked at John’s question in this way before. It makes so much sense now.
same! Definitely something to ponder this morning!
This stood out and comforted me too- even John doubted and questioned and more importantly Jesus didn’t get angry he just reminded John of the truth! Praying we all only believe the truth!!!
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I find the differences in behavior in Scripture so interesting, particularly how the angel Gabriel responds differently to Mary and Zechariah when they question him. To me, this contrast shows us the importance of heart posture. Both Mary and Zechariah loved and trusted God, yet their responses show different attitudes. Mary’s question comes from a place of wonder and trust, while Zechariah’s comes from doubt, perhaps shaped by his life experiences. Gabriel praises Mary for her faith but admonishes Zechariah, striking him silent. This seems to be the angel’s way of teaching Zechariah the kind of heart God desires—one of trust, humility, and openness, like that of a child. In many ways, it foreshadows the character of the Messiah and the depth of his love and compassion for the world.
I also thought about the difference between Mary and Zechariah! Such a beautiful detail in the story of Christ.
I love this ❤️
Maria B I love this! I copied it into my notes:)
Great insight, Maria. I’ve never looked at these scriptures from that perspective. Thank you for reminding me that God knows each of us uniquely. And miraculously loves us.
Thank you for this!
Amen
“…once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy”. 1 Peter 2:10
I think back to my own rescue, those who God used to call me – the college student who witnessed to me on the train between Toronto and New York, the man from a Christian retreat centre who came to speak at my school, my brother who never gave up, and gave me the gift of a Bible that was to lead me to the understanding which enabled me to receive that greatest gift – salvation. All “…because of the tender mercy of our God”. I am so very thankful to God who kept pursuing me (the hound of heaven) and to those faithful, courageous people who told of His love for me.
Father, may I too faithfully pray for those who are lost and take courage to tell of your merciful love always. Amen
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Vicki – this encourages me to keep being the light, keep sharing, giving bibles, praying for those I want to see saved…to never give up, because we have NO idea how God might use it to bring someone to Him!
Oh yes Sharon, keep on being the blessing! So glad you are encouraged. ❤
“Are You the one who is to come?”
Praying for the lost, the doubters, those believing in anyone/anything other than Christ for eternal life with God … Yes, Jesus is the one, the only way.
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His mercy is overwhelming, and I am so thankful.
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Two songs came to mind:
The Love of God, a hymn by Frederick M Lehman and How Great Thou Art …
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When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And then proclaim, My God, how great Thou art!
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Hallelujah!
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Thinking of you this morning, TRACI GENDRON ❤️
Have you heard the version of How Great Thou Art (Until That day), by Matt Marr and a while group of Artists?! I really love it!
Hallelujah indeed, sister!
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I spent some time at the beginning of this plan considering the beauty of its title, “The Dawn of Redeeming Grace”, and here, in Luke 1 v 78-79, we see it. “…because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in the darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
I’ve seen a few beautiful sunrises recently as dawn has brightened the winter sky, glorious pictures of that “Dawn of Redeeming Grace”. God is surely good.
Thanks to the SRT team for putting together these thoughtful and thought provoking reading plans. Every blessing for the coming year.
I so love winter sunrises, too, Valerie! Bare winter branches suddenly lit with pinks and purples – it’s such a sacred ‘light in the darkness’ moment.
Also very grateful for the SRT team for keeping us women in the Word every day.
I love the winter sunrises, too, and think of God’s majesty and love every time I am awake to see one! ❤️
Yes! The beautiful sunrises! I was just praising God this morning for the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, but now when I see them, I will think of “the dawn of redeeming grace” – thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Jesus, for being our light in a dark world.
I love the part where it says “Meditate on His mercy until it overwhelms your heart with gratitude.” He has been so merciful to us. ❤️
I love that too
❤️ me too!
Agreed! This morning started off a bit rough for me, but this is what I’m going to repeat to myself all morning to point the day back to His peace.
Amen!
I love this ‘our own strength, instagram hacks and perfectbto do lists aren’t going to cut it, Jesus is where life is!’
I’ll have a to do list right here in front of me but I am thankful that at the end of the day when the kids have gone to bed, I sit quietly in front of the Christmas tree and feel blessed in that quiet moment that everywhere we look at Christmas time, light shines through the darkness. It is Jesus’s birthday after all and what a perfect image to hold on to!
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