After the Miracle

Today's Devotional Thought
December 14, 2010 by Wendy Foreman

John the Baptist

What would the Christmas story be without John the Baptist? When we read through the Christmas story we learn of Elizabeth, who is Mary�s cousin, and how she gave birth to John the Baptist. We read in Luke how the angel reveals to Zechariah (John�s father) how important the birth of his son will be to all people. He learns that his son will be great in God�s eyes. Gabriel continues to tell Zechariah how his son will prepare peoples hearts for the arrival of Jesus� ministry. John will take the stony hearts of people and soften them so that when Jesus begins his ministry people will know of him. John is definitely the forerunner to Jesus. He prepares the way for him.

John was a unique individual and he knew he was called, set apart, to do amazing things for the Lord. He knew that he was to introduce people to Jesus. In Luke 3, he gets that opportunity. He baptizes Jesus and Jesus� ministry begins on earth.

Let me ask you, what are you doing to prepare the way for Jesus for the people in your lives? Several of our devotions this month so far have focused on the Christmas story. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. We are ordinary people living in this world and the Lord desires to use us in extraordinary ways. Are you open to the Lord and willing to be used in whatever way He desires to use you?

This time of year there are so many people that are hurting and searching for something that will take that hurt away. If we know that baby born in Bethlehem that grew to be a man and died for our sins, then we can share this with others. We can share with them the one who can give them the peace that they so desire and the one who can take that hurt away and replace it with joy. Take time this Christmas to share the love of Jesus with all of those whom you come in contact with. I promise that doing so will make this a very special Christmas to not only them but to you also.

"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, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord."
~Luke 1:13-15a