Luke 1:67-79
His father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited us and prepared redemption for his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, just as he said long ago through the mouth of his holy prophets. He raised up salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, in order to show mercy to our fathers by remembering his holy covenant, the oath which he swore to Abraham our father, to grant deliverance to us from the hand of our enemies, so that we are able to serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, because you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, because of God’s tender mercies, by which the Rising Sun from on high will visit us, to shine on those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We stand in awe of your plan of salvation to restore us to you. After we fell into sin’s corruption, there was no way anyone could live and love others in the perfection required of us. You sent Jesus to redeem us all and to restore us to peace.
However, the magnitude of this event in world history required a herald to prepare the way, and you sent John. He taught a message of repentance and forgiveness of sins because our sins condemn and keep us in darkness, but when we recognize the loveless things we do, say, and think, we repent, and we receive forgiveness.
Jesus came as was promised in the Old Testament and brought salvation for all people when he suffered for all sins on the cross and rose three days later; now, salvation comes to each person by faith in Jesus.
As Luke recorded the witness’ statements surrounding John and Jesus’ birth, we anticipate the promise that Jesus will return. So with this anticipation, prepare us again with repentance and forgiveness; send us your Holy Spirit to renew our hearts and restore them to you.
Let us share John’s message with those around us so they, too, repent and receive forgiveness for Jesus’ sake. Please spark the light of faith so they will believe in your love and mercy for them. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Jesus’ birth was not ordinary. It was God veiled in the flesh to live among us and restore fallen mankind from sin, death, and the devil; this was God’s gift to all people, which is received by faith alone in Jesus.