12/8= John the Baptist

12/8- Luke 1:57-60 John the Baptist
57When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.
     59On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.”

Thoughts: John the Baptist was called by Jesus “the greatest born among women.”  He was considered a prophet in the power and office of Elijah.  John did an amazing job. He humbled himself- saying “He [Jesus] must increase while I must decrease.”  This is great advice for all of us.  The word “John” means “God is gracious” and He was.  John did not shrink back from challenging even the soldiers who were oppressing the people to not be over-demanding just because they could.  He also did not hesitate to rebuke Herod the King- even at cost to his life.  He was not about to play it safe or be politically correct so as not to offend the powers that be.  John was the one who pointed to Jesus- “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (Jn. 1:29).”  We too can point to Jesus.  John was the one who prepared the way for Jesus’ coming.  He teaches us to be prepared to experience Christ by turning away from evil and turning toward God. 

Prayer: Lord, may I point to you the author and perfector of my faith.  

Activity: Prepare today to have a holy Christmas.  What do you need to do to make your Christmas more holy?  Can you get your children a religious gift as well as a regular gift?  Could you teach your children generosity by getting a gift for a Thornwell child? 

Song: Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary; pure and holy; tried and true; With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.