John the Baptist had the most important job of preparing the way for the coming Messiah, the Son of God.

Lk 1:76
And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him.

His mother understood this, and realizing his training ground would be the lonely desert, spent 5 months of her pregnancy in seclusion.

Lk 1:24
After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.

The lonely desert was the place John would be trained. He would solely focus on his mission of preparing the way for Jesus and being taught by the Spirit who filled him even in his mother’s womb.

Lk 1:80
And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.

It’s hard learning God’s ways with distractions. Even the learned Paul was taught in the desert (cf Gal 1:15-18).

Let’s plan to get away from distractions and spend time with God!

It’s comforting and reassuring to know our God and Father gives us second chances. Zechariah the father of John the Baptist is said along with his wife Elizabeth to be upright in the sight of God, living blamelessly. But during an incredible angelic visitation from Gabriel, his faith lapsed and He doubted God’s messenger.

Lk 1:18
Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

He was disciplined by God and was mute until John was born. When he spoke again, Zechariah provided a sign for John’s upcoming ministry to prepare the way for Jesus.

As he spoke he was filled with the Spirit. His words are recorded forever in Scripture. He was given a second chance to glorify the Lord with his life. He said:

Lk 1:76
And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him….

Thank God for second chances! Let’s believe every Word from God.

What is love? We have studied and written about love, described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. John, known as the beloved disciple, described love too.

1 Jn 3:16
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

God’s love is the example for all of us. We want our love to be so strong, so Christlike that we are willing to lay down our lives for each other.

Can you imagine a people that are known for a love so great that the ultimate sacrifice is not too great so others could know abundant life?

Jn 13:34
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

This Christmas, with the Spirit’s help, let’s love not just with words but with deeds. Our love for God and others can grow so strong we would be willing to die for each other.

Jn 13:35
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

As we continue praising our God during this advent or “arrival” season, we remember Jesus was born mainly for the purpose of dying on the cross for our sins.

Mt 1:21
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

He also taught us how to live on earth as children of God and followers of Jesus.

1 Jn 3:1a,3
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.

We look forward to our forever home which is built for us as we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus!

2 Pt 3:14b
Since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

Let’s live with a view of eternity by following Jesus. Let’s remember that this life is but a vapor and wisely build our forever home! Let’s long to hear “Well done!”

Often the news lists the richest people on earth. Unfortunately following Jesus is not their passion. Still compared to the splendor and majesty of Jesus they are poor. Since we are co-heirs with Christ our eternal net worth far exceeds theirs.

2 Cor 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

This Christmas let’s give Jesus the best gift we can—to love Him with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. To love our neighbor as we would want to be loved. And to make disciples.

Let’s make the investment that will catapult us from poverty to true wealth. Let’s give our all to follow Him.

Lk 12:32-33b
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor.

O come let us adore Him!Let’s give our heart totally to Jesus and live a truly rich life, a life of love.

Do you ever give up hope that things will change? It can be discouraging to pray for people, circumstances, or things to change for the better and nothing changes, or they even get worse. Elizabeth must have felt that way. She had hoped to be a mother and now she was elderly, past childbearing years.

Lk 1:13-14
But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth.

Let’s not grow weary in doing good. Let’s keep hoping when all hope seems lost. We are the children of the God who does the impossible!

Lk 1:25
“The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

This Christmas let’s remember God answers prayer. They may be delayed but He is with us. He wants to bless and knows what’s best!

As followers of Jesus we demonstrate love by “doing” love. Like Jesus we seek out the lost, hurting, and unimportant.

Lk 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.

Mt 25:44b-45
Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

Unfortunately many churchgoers are often content to believe something rather than do something.

Jn 15:10
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

Let’s do love not just talk it. Let’s seek out those whose circumstances break our heart. Let’s pray for encounters with them. Let’s pray they will be open to an invitation to come to our homes, break bread, and learn about Love. Let’s obey Jesus!

Jn 14:15
If you love me, you will obey what I command.

Simeon was an old man who was righteous and devout. He longed for the Messiah to be born and the Spirit led him “by chance” to encounter baby Jesus.

Luke 2:27
Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required…

Then holding Jesus he prophesied:

Lk 2:29b-32
“…as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

Jesus is still providing light to those without God and light and glory to to those who follow Him.

What decisions, fears, or worries are you facing? Jesus is your Light!

Ps 23:4
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

Let’s embrace Jesus. Live by the Spirit and live in peace!

Let’s begin our day with our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Heb 12:2a
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Can you see the angel Gabriel telling Mary she will give birth to Jesus? Can you see Him instructing His teachers at age twelve? Can you see His baptism with the Spirit described like a dove? Can you see Him give sight to the blind, feed 5000+, and walk on water? Can you see Him crucified? Rising from the dead? Showing His disciples His pierced hands and feet? Can you see His ascension to be seated at the right hand of the Father?

Rev 5:12
In a loud voice they sang:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Can you see Jesus as we live our lives with eyes fixed on Him Who helps us in good times and in bad and says, “Well done!”?

Let’s live knowing that wholeheartedly following Jesus will result in incredible and eternal rewards! What joy will be ours!

Praise God for His love towards us. He knew from before creation that we would require a Savior. Our salvation was planned even before the initial sin occurred in Eden.

Eph 1:4
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

With joy Jesus suffered and died for our salvation.

Heb 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

During this blessed season when we celebrate the coming of God to become like one of us but born sinless to die for our sin, let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Let’s live for the joy of hearing, “Well done!” Let’s love the way Jesus loved and look for ways to give instead of receiving.

Acts 20:35b
The Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

After all, isn’t that the best way to bring glad tidings of joy?

Since we know Immanuel as our Savior, we know God is with us!

Mt 1:23
The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel - which means, “God with us.”

Since God is with us, we are highly favored!

Lk 1:28
The angel went to (Mary) and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Since we are highly favored, our response to God for this incredible status is trust His good plans for our lives. Remember in biblical times a young unmarried pregnant woman was fraught with issues that led to rejection by society and even stoning.

With humility Mary responded to God with obedience and deep trust.

Lk 1:34-35a, 38a
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you…
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.”

Today and always let’s respond to God with humility, obedience, and deep trust!

Our weather is constantly changing. Recently it was in the 60’s. Today we are waking up to chilly 20 degree weather.

Thank God we know our Savior never changes (cf Heb 13:8).

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

God never changes! His instructions to us never grow outdated. They bring life season after season. His wisdom never fails or grows outdated.

Let’s love consistently, forgive, give, be faithful, and be dependable like Jesus. Let’s be people who live out this adage: “The greatest ability is dependability.” Let’s live by steadfastly following Jesus’ words.

Mt 7:24b-25
…everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

I enjoy a crisp, clear night with the moon and stars shining bright. At Christmas the clear night sky reminds me of the wise men following the star to find the baby Jesus.

Mt 2:9-10
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

How did God draw you to Jesus? What circumstances led you to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

It my not be a star leading us to Jesus, but it is the Father using His Spirit for us to be saved.

John 6:44
44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.

Tit 3:5
…he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

Thank God for His mercy in choosing us! Thank God we followed His “star!”