Today’s Reading: John 12:1-3; 2 Corinthians 2:14-17; Psalm 100

Are you ready for Christmas? I have so much more to do — Christmas cards to send, gifts to pick out, stockings to fill, and groceries to buy. I am very ready to spend time with my family but not quite ready for the celebration.

But maybe this is the question I should be answering — Am I ready for Christmas? Am I leaning into the meaning behind our Christmas celebrations? Is my heart anticipating the worship of the Christ child again this year? Am I ready for the Lord to do something new in my heart and life this Christmas? I do not want to get so caught up in the traditions of the holiday that I forget the true meaning behind Christmas.

AM I PREPARED FOR CHRISTMAS?

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. – John 12:1-2a

Jesus was coming and they were throwing a party! Mary, Martha and Lazarus were preparing for Jesus to come to dinner. The Passover celebration was just days away, but tonight it was about Jesus and all that he had done in their lives. Lazarus had been dead for three days but, with a simple command from Jesus, Lazarus had stood up and walked out of the grave. Their hearts were still exploding with gratitude that their brother was there today to be a part of this special dinner party.

This morning is a great opportunity for us to look back with gratitude on everything Jesus has done for us this year and in previous years. What prayers has He answered; in what ways has He provided for us this year? This remembrance could have the potential to prepare our hearts and minds for all the Lord wants us to experience this Christmas. It will help us get our hearts focused on Jesus.

Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. – John 12:3

Here is another way in which Mary was prepared for an evening with Jesus. She had expensive perfume prepared and her heart was postured to fall at the feet of Jesus and worship him in a way that no one else was. This gift was not lost on Jesus; he saw the heart of Mary that day.

THE HOUSE WAS FILLED WITH THE FRAGRANCE.

Consider with me the impact you could have on all of your Christmas celebrations over the next few days if your mind is prepared and your heart is postured for worship. What if the house was filled with the presence of Jesus and the fragrance of praise? What if your efforts to keep Jesus in the center of the celebration could have a tremendous impact on your loved ones? What if your worship filled the house with a fragrance that was sweet and beautiful for all to experience?

But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? – 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

LET’S ALLOW GOD TO TAKE OUR HEARTS CAPTIVE THIS CHRISTMAS.

Lord, thank you for this reminder to refocus before we get any farther into the Christmas weekend celebrations. Lord, we give you our hearts. Take them captive — may your desires be reflected in ours, and may our actions give you glory. Thank you for the gift of your Son and for the miracle of His birth. We bow down and worship you this morning with shouts of joy and a thankful heart. Amen.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations. – Psalm 100

Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:18-25; Psalm 142

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. – Matthew 1:18-19

Joseph and Mary had entered into a covenant relationship. She had been promised to him and he planned to soon take her as his wife. The news of Mary’s pregnancy would have been heartbreaking for Joseph. Scripture describes Mary as confused and disturbed, but there is no description for how Joseph accepted the news. We only know that he was kind in his response.

JOSEPH WAS A RIGHTEOUS MAN AND SO HE RESPONDED WITH KINDNESS.

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:20-21

And perhaps the words of the angel give us a glimpse into how Joseph was feeling. If the angel’s first words are any indication, Joseph was afraid to take Mary as his wife. There was a reluctance to step into the unknown. Would people assume that Joseph himself had been with Mary, tainting his reputation of righteousness? Would the community believe Mary’s explanation of her pregnancy or would they cry out for her stoning? But Joseph was taking time to consider what his response should be, and it was in that moment of consideration that an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream.

We often focus on how special Mary must have been for God to choose her to carry the Son of God within her and to be his mother. But Joseph was not just a bystander and he certainly was not a victim of God’s plan. Matthew describes Joseph as a righteous man, and he, too, had been chosen for this amazing opportunity..

All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’”
When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus. – Matthew 1:22-25

JOSEPH WAS A CHOSEN MAN AND SO HE RESPONDED IN OBEDIENCE.

Not only was Mary chosen, so was Joseph. He would be the earthly father for Jesus, providing everything this precious little one would need to grow up with the knowledge of the scriptures. The words of the prophet were being fulfilled and Joseph had the privilege of being one of the first people to recognize this holy moment in history and respond in faith.

Joseph’s response reflects the righteousness of God in him. He was willing to do what the angel had commanded him to do; he would take Mary as his wife. But he also treated Mary and her pregnancy with respect, protecting the sacredness of her conception and the life growing within her. He would protect and care for them both, and he would not claim his marriage rights in bed until after the baby was born.

JOSEPH WAS A HONORABLE MAN AND SO HE RESPONDED WITH RESPECT.

When we surrender our plans to God, allowing Him to be Lord of our life, He begins to do a work within us. The righteousness of God begins to change us into the person He created us to be. Our actions and attitudes begin to reflect this righteousness, shaping our response to what God is asking us to do. God calls us to obedience but He also equips us with what we need to respond in submission to His will. We begin to respond naturally with kindness and respect for those He is calling us to minister to. He is Immanuel, God with us, and His presence in our lives can be evident for all to see!

Lord, this morning we thank you for Joseph. Thank you for this beautiful example of obedience and love. Please fill us with your righteousness as we experience this covenant relationship with you. May our hearts be prepared and ready to respond with kindness and respect, obediently surrendering our plans to your greater plan. Amen.

I cry out to the Lord;
I plead for the Lord’s mercy.
I pour out my complaints before him
and tell him all my troubles.
When I am overwhelmed,
you alone know the way I should turn…
Then I pray to you, O Lord.
I say, “You are my place of refuge.
You are all I really want in life.” – Psalm 142:1-5

Today’s Reading: Luke 1:26-56; Psalm 139

After hearing from the angel, scripture says Mary hurried to the town where Zechariah and Elizabeth lived. She had seen and heard an angel, receiving a message unlike one anyone had ever received before. She was a virgin, yet she was with child. She lived a simple life, yet the angel had called her “favored”.

THE LORD IS WITH YOU.

Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. – Luke 1:28-29

Mary would have heard the stories of angels bringing messages to men and women throughout the history of the Jewish people, but she probably was not expecting to have her own encounter. And here she was, hearing an angel call her favored, and telling her that the Lord was with her. Even more, the angel went on to tell her that she would soon conceive a baby by the Holy Spirit and the Son of God would grow within her. She, a humble young girl, had been chosen for this amazing task.

THE LORD IS WITHIN YOU.

Instead of feeling joy, Mary was confused and disturbed at what the angel was telling her. But when Mary arrived at the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth, she was greeted with the affirmation she needed. Perhaps she had not even spoken to anyone about what the angel had said; perhaps she had immediately made plans with her family to go and visit the one who might possibly believe that she had received a message from an angel.

Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” – Luke 1:42-45

WOMB TO WOMB

Did you catch the significance of this moment? The unborn baby growing within Elizabeth responded to the unborn baby growing within Mary. What a beautiful moment of affirmation and wonder! What a generous sign from heaven to confirm what the angel had said would happen!

In this passage, we see Mary go from the description of confused and disturbed to choosing joy in this special calling God had placed on her life. There would be plenty of negative reactions ahead to her explanation of how she was with child, but in this moment she could rejoice that the Lord had chosen her. Not only was the Messiah about to enter into this world, she had the privilege of being the first person to feel his movement and then later to hold him in her arms. She was the first to love him like no one else would ever be able to love him — like only a mother can love.

Mary responded,
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One is holy,
and he has done great things for me.
He shows mercy from generation to generation
to all who fear him.
His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
He has brought down princes from their thrones
and exalted the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away with empty hands.
He has helped his servant Israel
and remembered to be merciful.
For he made this promise to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children forever.”

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home. – Luke 1:46-56

Three months to soak in the reality of this promise. Three months to feel her abdomen swell. Three months to prepare herself for how her family and fiancé would react to the news of her pregnancy, each day growing in confidence that what the angel said was true. God had done what He said He would do, and now she would walk humbly in the part she had been asked to play. She would be the mother of the Lord growing within her — this special baby named Jesus.

We see this same pattern in our own opportunity for obedience. We receive a call on our life and then the Lord provides a season of preparation. He gives us time to adjust to the idea of what He has ahead for us — time to talk to our closest loved ones and time to align our heart with the heart of God. Thank God for sending individuals into our life who affirm God’s call and pray for us through the preparation. They are truly a gift! And how blessed are we when the Lord allows us to play that same role in the life of someone else who has heard from God — who is bravely taking the first steps of obedience.

Father God, thank you for allowing us to soak in the beauty of the Christmas story. We are grateful for the gift of your Son and for the privilege of serving a role in your plan of salvation. May our hearts remain humble and our bodies remain available for your calling, whether it’s for a moment or for a lifetime. You are a good God and we are blessed to be your servants. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Luke 1:67-80; Mark 1:1-8

Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. Everyone who heard about it reflected on those events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way. – Luke 1:65-67

WHAT WILL THIS CHILD TURN OUT TO BE?

As a mother, my heart is stirred by this question because it is a question I have often pondered about my own daughters. Don’t we all wonder what will become of our children and grandchildren when they grow up? What career will they have? Will they be successful? Most of all, will they be happy? Will the Lord bless them with a spouse and children? Will the Lord be glorified through their lives? Again today, I find myself wondering what God has planned for my girls, and I pray that today’s experiences will prepare them for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Zechariah spoke a blessing over his newborn son: “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” – Luke 1:76-79

Daily we have the opportunity to speak blessings on our kids — whether they are small enough to crawl into our laps, old enough to ask for the keys to the car, or grown enough to be out of the house. Our children need to hear that we believe in them and in God’s plan for their lives. Our role as parents never ends. We can still be the one to pray over them, asking for God’s blessings and protection.

This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began just as the prophet Isaiah had written: “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way. He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”

This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” – Mark 1:1-8

HE ATE WHAT?!!

What happens when we struggle to understand the decisions our children are making or the road they are choosing? I wonder how Zechariah and Elizabeth reacted when they heard their son was living in the wilderness. Did they worry? Were they surprised at the details of how his ministry was rolling out?

I can easily see how parents could go from being the cheerleader to the voice of doubt. How easily we can get an idea in our head of what our children should do and then end up being a discouragement to them. That’s not who I want to be. I pray that I continually point them back to God with words like, “As long as you are doing what God has asked you to do” or “Just keep listening to God and following Him and I’ll be here no matter what.”

Perhaps we should look for an opportunity this Christmas to tell the young people in our lives how much we believe in them and in the plan God has for them. Make sure they know God can use them in a powerful way wherever He places them and whatever He asks them to do. Maybe we should look for opportunities every day to essentially say…

YOU DID IT! GREAT JOB! I’M PROUD OF YOU.

Lord, give me wisdom. Parenting is not always easy but it is such an honor and a blessing, and I would not trade it for anything in the world! Thank you for the privilege of this responsibility. Thank you for all of the young people in my life. Heavenly Father, guide me and teach me what to say and when to say it. May I always be a source of encouragement and a positive voice in the heart of each of my family members and friends.

“Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing:
‘May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.’
Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.” – Numbers 6:23-27

Today’s Reading: Luke 1:21-25; Psalm 116, 124 & 145

How kind the Lord is! How good he is!
So merciful, this God of ours!
The Lord protects those of childlike faith;
I was facing death, and he saved me. – Psalm 116:5-6

I want to sit in the story of Elizabeth one more day. She is far from a main character in the story of Jesus, but she is a main character in my story — so much so that I named my firstborn after her. It was important to me for Libby to grow up knowing the story of Elizabeth. It is important to me that all three of my daughters know that when others say it cannot be done, God has the power to declare it WILL be done.

If I had a quote wall, Elizabeth would be on it twice. Luke‘s interview with Mary, the mother of Jesus, reveals two very profound statements that came from Elizabeth. We looked at one of those statements yesterday, when Elizabeth said to Mary, “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said” (Luke 1:45). Now let’s consider the other statement Elizabeth made.

“How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” – Luke 1:25

Stop and consider with Elizabeth just how kind the Lord has been to you. God is so good and so compassionate and so loving. There is evidence of His kindness all over our lives. What has he taken away from you as an act of kindness? Was it shame from a sin committed or regret of a word spoken? Did he strengthen you for the consequences that could have destroyed you? Was He with you through the loneliness that left you feeling unloved and unvalued? Are you even now experiencing pain from an unbearable loss, or sickness that is taking away the life you loved?

Perhaps there is something in your life that is causing you pain. God might be willing to take that away from you, but consider the possibility that you are holding onto it so tightly that you have stopped clinging to Him. Perhaps it is time to offer everything to Him and let Him bless you with His kindness. Consider the possibility that today God could heal your hurts, answer your prayers, and do something amazing on your behalf.

WHEN OTHERS SAY IT CANNOT BE DONE, GOD HAS THE POWER TO DECLARE IT WILL BE DONE.

Elizabeth’s grief was probably stronger than what I experienced when we were struggling to start a family. I knew that, with or without children, I would be involved in full-time ministry. I was confident God would bless our lives even if we remained a family of two. Women today can choose a career or ministry in place of motherhood, and be valued for that decision. In those days, childbearing was considered the highest calling for a woman. Infertility was often paired with a social stigma or shame, often assuming God was not blessing a woman with a baby because of some kind of sin in her life. But Luke makes it clear that Elizabeth was found righteous in God’s sight.

In fact, Luke went on to say that Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. There are a few instances in the Old Testament when someone is described as being filled with the Spirit of God, but there are only four people who were described in the gospels as being filled with the Holy Spirit: John the Baptist (1:16), Elizabeth (1:41), Zechariah (1:67), and Jesus (4:14). Once more, God poured out His blessing on this very special woman.

We serve a generous God, don’t we? He is involved in each unique life created, and loves us individually. When He sent His Son, He had you in mind. Even today, He is weaving your story into His, just like He did for Elizabeth. So take hope, my friend. Give God your yesterdays, trust God with your future, and believe that today He is going to do something amazing both for you, in you and through you.

WHEN OTHERS SAY IT CANNOT BE DONE, GOD HAS THE POWER TO DECLARE IT WILL BE DONE.

Do you see this Prince of Peace, born in a manger, as being kind and faithful? That is what He is. The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay, was born out of the kindness and generosity of our Creator and He loves us with that same kindness today. Will you let him take away what you have been holding on to and leave faith in its place? May this next season of your life be marked by a faith that God will do what He says He will do, even when others say it can’t be done.

The Lord always keeps his promises;
he is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen
and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
The eyes of all look to you in hope;
you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand,
you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
he is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on him,
yes, to all who call on him in truth.
He grants the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cries for help and rescues them. – Psalm 145:13b-19

Today’s Reading: Luke 1:39-45; Psalm 126

In August of 1996, after three miscarriages, I received a promise from the Lord that I would have a baby in one year. Time passed between the promise and the pregnancy. I had the choice to believe God’s promise or to spend time worrying if God’s promise would come true.

THERE WAS A BLESSING IN BELIEVING THAT GOD WOULD DO WHAT HE SAID HE WOULD DO.

I wonder what it was like for Elizabeth to be past childbearing years when she received her promise. How much time passed between the message from the angel and her first signs of pregnancy? I wonder if she questioned God’s promise, or if she had a staying peace for what her future held.

During his time of silence, Zechariah had plenty of time to consider what the angel had said. He had time to look over the Scriptures and remind himself of all God had promised to the people of Israel. He would have been able to take this new piece of the puzzle and fit it into the big picture. The angel had said Zechariah’s son would prepare the way for the coming of the Lord, and many people would turn to the Lord because of John. He had spent his whole life preparing for the priesthood, studying the prophecies about the coming Messiah, and now he would have the privilege of knowing the role his son would play in the fulfillment of the prophecies.

“HOW CAN I BE SURE THIS WILL HAPPEN?”

Zechariah struggled to find confidence in the promise he had just received from the angel and there was a consequence to his lack of faith.

Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” – Luke 1:19-20

Luke 1:24 says that Elizabeth went into seclusion for five months after she became pregnant. There is no evidence that this was an Old Testament custom or command so many theologians believe that Elizabeth took time to have a spiritual retreat of sorts to honor God for answering her prayer. God had seen the desire of her heart to be a mother, and so she clung to His promise as she experienced the magnificent miracle of pregnancy.

Mary received a similar promise from an angel — the promise that she would have a baby even though she was a virgin. Mary asked a question very similar to Zechariah’s. Never in history had a woman become pregnant while maintaining her virginity, and so she spoke the question that was on her heart.

“BUT HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. – Luke 1:35-38

“FOR NO WORD FROM GOD WILL EVER FAIL.”

If God’s word will never fail, then may His word be fulfilled in me. That is the desire of Mary’s heart, and it is the desire of my heart as well. I long to respond to God’s promises just like Mary did — with a heart of submission and willingness to be used by God however He desires. Even when people around me say it’s not possible, even when those I love argue the authenticity of God’s calling, I will forever surrender to God’s plan for my life.

A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. – Luke 1:39-41

Only a few days had passed since the angel had come to Mary. Had she told anyone yet of what the angel had spoken? Did her family know? Did Joseph know? Here she is between the promise and the physical evidence of the pregnancy, and she’s choosing to visit the one person who would understand that God’s word would never fail. As she steps into their home, she is greeted by Elizabeth, who seems to already know her big news! This greeting was most likely more than Mary had even wished for. Mary was not going to be scolded or questioned or accused; instead, Elizabeth greeted her with a blessing for both Mary and her baby.

Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke what I believe Mary needed to hear – what God Himself was saying to her through Elizabeth (Luke 1:42-45).

“YOU ARE BLESSED BECAUSE YOU BELIEVED THAT THE LORD WOULD DO WHAT HE SAID.”

So here’s a question for you – Do you believe? Is your faith strong enough to believe that God is going to do what He says He will do? Are you willing to trust Him while you wait? Do you choose to stand in confidence that God’s word will never fail?

Lord, will you give us the faith to trust you between the problem and the promise? In the same way, give us the strength to wait patiently for you between the promise and the fulfillment of the promise. Help us to see that you are working all things out in your perfect timing for your perfect plan. Amen.

Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest. – Psalm 126:5-6

Today’s Reading: Luke 1:67-80; Psalm 71, 75 & 107

What came of Zechariah’s period of silence? Now that he knew what it was like to be unable to communicate, how did his new appreciation for words impact what he chose to say?

Zechariah had more than nine months to consider what God was telling him through the angel Gabriel. A new wisdom and understanding was birthed from this time of quiet. Just as his son was born filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah was also filled with the Holy Spirit, and he began to prophesy. His time of silence was a great time to empty himself of all that was Zechariah so that he could be filled with all that was God. The result — these powerful words:

“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has visited and redeemed his people.
He has sent us a mighty Savior
from the royal line of his servant David,
just as he promised
through his holy prophets long ago.
Now we will be saved from our enemies
and from all who hate us.
He has been merciful to our ancestors
by remembering his sacred covenant—
the covenant he swore with an oath
to our ancestor Abraham.
We have been rescued from our enemies
so we can serve God without fear,
in holiness and righteousness
for as long as we live.
“And you, my little son,
will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
You will tell his people how to find salvation
through forgiveness of their sins.
Because of God’s tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace.” – Luke 1:68-79

I love the picture of Zechariah smiling down at his newborn son and speaking those tender words of purpose. There have been many moments in my life when someone took the time to speak words of encouragement over me. I can look back at some pretty pivotal moments when someone I highly respected spoke purpose into my life and the impact was powerful.

Perhaps the Lord will give us a moment like that today — a moment when we can speak into the life of a student, friend or coworker. Perhaps you have a family member who needs you to break the silence today and let them know you see the potential of who God created them to be. Speak hope; speak truth; speak life.

O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood,
and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.
Now that I am old and gray,
do not abandon me, O God.
Let me proclaim your power to this new generation,
your mighty miracles to all who come after me. – Psalm 71:17-18

When we speak truth over the life of someone else, we break the power of the enemy’s words. We fight against the negativity and lies that have become the soundtrack of their life, replacing it with songs of hope and truth. When the Lord gives us words of encouragement to share with someone else but we choose to remain silent, the enemy wins and we lose the opportunity to make an impact.

But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
For God says, “I will break the strength of the wicked,
but I will increase the power of the godly.” – Psalm 75:9-10

Let’s be intentional with our day — intentional to be heard by someone else, but also to hear from God. Today could get pretty hectic, busy, chaotic and loud for us. Let’s refuse to make so much noise that we cannot hear God’s still small voice speaking of His purpose for our day. Let’s bow quietly before Him and pray for a new wisdom and understanding, a new and fresh in-filling of the Spirit. Then, when we hear from Him, let’s choose to remain quiet and ponder His words, allowing Him to guide us down the path of peace.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!
Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. – Psalm 107:1-2

Today’s Reading: Psalm 60, 70 & 83

I pray to you, O Lord, my rock. Do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you are silent, I might as well give up and die. – Psalm 28:1

Sometimes God asks us to be silent before Him, prompting us to spend more time listening and less time talking. God asks us to silence the noise so that we can hear His still small voice. I am reminded of Abraham’s servant who was given the task of finding a wife for Isaac. He responded in obedience to the task he was given; then he prayed for success in accomplishing that task and waited in silence.

The servant watched her in silence, wondering whether or not the Lord had given him success in his mission. – Genesis 24:21

THE ART OF BEING STILL IS A BEAUTIFUL MOTION OF OBEDIENCE AND TRUST.

We do what we know to do and then watch for evidence of God at work in our lives. But what happens when we seek clarity and get none; what happens when we look for evidence of God’s presence and come up empty-handed? What if we are left wondering whether or not the Lord is already moving on our behalf?

But may all who search for you
be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation
repeatedly shout, “God is great!”
But as for me, I am poor and needy;
please hurry to my aid, O God.
You are my helper and my savior;
O Lord, do not delay. – Psalm 70:4-5

At times we can go through a season when it feels like God is silent. We long to hear from Him, we call upon His name, but hear no response. We daily spend time in his words, lifting our prayers and petitions to our Lord, but there is no evidence that God is responding to the cries of our heart. Our impatience gets the best of us and we cry out for God to hurry, to speak, to respond in some way:

O God, do not be silent!
Do not be deaf.
Do not be quiet, O God. – Psalm 83:1

The psalmist went on to describe to God what the enemy was doing to the nation of Israel. It seems as if he was questioning God’s attention to the situation as he detailed what was happening all around him. Then he took the rest of the song to suggest, or rather demand, that God should do something to make right all that was going wrong.

THE ART OF PRAYER IS A DUET BETWEEN DESPERATE PETITION AND HUMBLE SUBMISSION.

Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord—
that you alone are the Most High over all the earth. – Psalm 83:16

In this last verse, there is a submission to the authority of God. The psalmist referred to the name of the Lord, showing the desire to be obedient to the Master — the One who should always be in charge. He recognized that God alone is the Most High. And although his prayer was to “let them know”, it seems from the first verse that he was also asking for God to let him know. He needed the reassurance that God was taking care of His people.

Lord, let me know that you are aware. Show me that you are in control of the situation. I desire to feel your presence and rest in your faithfulness. Help me to let go so that I will stop trying to control my circumstances. I long to rest in your care, but my heart needs to be reassured of your love.

It is easy to feel alone at times. In fact, the enemy would love for us to believe that we are alone — that God has abandoned us. We begin to question His love and wonder if He even cares about what we are going through. During these times, we have to remind ourselves of what we know to be true — that we are never alone and that His love is unfailing.

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5b

GOD, MAKE YOUR PRESENCE KNOWN TO US TODAY AS WE SIT IN THE SILENCE.

My God, whom I praise,
do not remain silent…
Help me, Lord my God;
save me according to your unfailing love.
Let them know that it is your hand,
that you, Lord, have done it. – Psalm 109:1,26-27a

Today’s Reading: Luke 1:1-25, 57-66; Psalm 94

HAVE YOU EVER ARGUED WITH GOD?

When God answers your prayers, do you find yourself with more follow-up questions than words of praise and thanksgiving? Is your gratitude ever tainted with a spirit of self-pity or impatience? Have you ever heard God’s promise but then lacked the faith to believe that He was really speaking to you? Have you struggled to believe that God was truly saying what you had been waiting to hear for so long?

This is the story of Zechariah, a Jewish priest. He and his wife, Elizabeth, were righteous in God’s eyes as they carefully observed the decrees and commands of the Lord. They were both very old and had never been able to conceive or have children of their own. We know from Luke 1:13 that Zechariah had prayed to the Lord for a son, but his prayers had not yet been answered. In fact, at this age, it seemed an impossible prayer to keep praying.

HAVE YOU EVER PRAYED FOR SOMETHING THAT SEEMED OUT OF REACH?

One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. – Luke 1:8-9

There were 24 orders of priests (1 Chronicles 24) and then a large number of priests in each order. On this day, Zechariah’s order was on duty, so they cast lots to see who would have the honor of entering the sanctuary of the Lord to keep the incense burning. It was possible that a priest may never be chosen or that this would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for a priest. Today, the lot fell to Zechariah.

While Zechariah was in the sanctuary of the Lord, he focused on the incense altar. While he was tending to the flame, making sure that it did not go out, an angel of the Lord appeared to him. This was the first time in the New Testament that a person spoke with an angel, and it was at a time when Zechariah was doing what the Lord had called him by birth to do. Luke described Zechariah as shaken and overwhelmed with fear at the sight of the angel.

But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord.” – Luke 1:13-15a

GOD HAS HEARD YOUR PRAYER AND HE IS ANSWERING IN A SPECIAL WAY.

God had a purpose all along. While understanding was beyond the reach of Zechariah and Elizabeth, they continued to serve the Lord. In doing so, they were prepared to be a part of God’s story; they were positioned to be the parents of a very special man with a very specific purpose in life.

“He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” – Luke 1:15b-17

AT TIMES, GOD’S PROMISES SEEM IMPOSSIBLE AND WE DOUBT HIS WAYS; WE QUESTION HIS TIMING.

Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”

Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” – Luke 1:18-20

Because of their age, Zechariah struggled to believe this amazing message delivered by Gabriel. Instead of praising God, he argued and asked more questions, so God silenced him. Zechariah lacked the faith to believe the angel was really saying what he had been longing to hear for so many years.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN SILENCED BY GOD?

When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” – Luke 1:23-25

When it was time, Elizabeth gave birth to a son and declared his name would be John. When those around her argued that she needed to choose a family name, Zechariah wrote these words: “His name is John.” It was in that moment of obedience that Zechariah’s voice came back and Zechariah began praising God! (Luke 1:57-64)

I wonder if God ever considers silencing us. At times he asks us to be silent in order to spend more time listening for His voice; He asks us to silence the noise so that we can hear His gentle whisper. Perhaps God desires for us to receive His words today without comment, sarcasm, questions, cynicism or doubt.

I wait quietly before God,
for my victory comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will never be shaken. – Psalm 62:1-2

Lord, we wait before you today in silence. Our desire is to hear from you so we ask that you help us block out the distractions in order to hear your voice; help us to silence the chaos and focus on you. Father God, we ask for an increase in faith so that we can believe your promises to be true and trust that your plan is always the perfect plan. Amen.

Unless the Lord had helped me,
I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave.
I cried out, “I am slipping!”
but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.
When doubts filled my mind,
your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. – Psalm 94:17-19

Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:8-11; Isaiah 9, 11, Psalm 98

Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat.
Jehoshaphat was the father of Jehoram.
Jehoram was the father of Uzziah.
Uzziah was the father of Jotham.
Jotham was the father of Ahaz.
Ahaz was the father of Hezekiah.
Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh.
Manasseh was the father of Amon.
Amon was the father of Josiah.
Josiah was the father of Jehoiachin and his brothers (born at the time of the exile to Babylon). – Matthew 1:8-11

WHAT LEGACY DID THESE MEN LEAVE FOR THOSE WHO CAME AFTER THEM?

Although his father committed the same sins that his grandfather had, Asa did what was pleasing in the sight of the Lord. He banished the prostitutes from the land, got rid of all the idols and even deposed his grandmother as queen mother because of the obscenities she had set up. Asa’s heart remained faithful to the Lord throughout his life (1 Kings 15:14b). God’s people experienced peace during the 10 years of Asa’s reign, which allowed them to fortify their cities. They built walls, towers, gates, and bars, while King Asa built up two armies of well-trained fighting men.

Asa led the people of Judah in renewing their covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul. The decision his forefathers had made to serve God was now impacting the entire nation as their example was followed and God was worshiped. They had set an example of what it looks like to fully follow God and their descendants were experiencing the joy of living in a right relationship with God — when someone seeks God and God faithfully responds.

All in Judah were happy about this covenant, for they had entered into it with ALL their heart. They earnestly sought after God, and they found him. – 2 Chronicles 15:15a

WHEN THEY EARNESTLY SOUGHT AFTER GOD, THEY FOUND HIM. THIS WAS THEIR LEGACY.

But when things started to heat up between the people of Judah and the people of Israel, Asa called upon the King of Aram for help instead of trusting in God. He missed his chance to experience victory and the time of peace ended as Judah went back to war.

The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. – 2 Chronicles 16:9a

Jehosophat sought after God as his father had at the beginning of his reign. He was deeply committed to the ways of the Lord, and he became very wealthy and highly esteemed. 1 Kings 22:43 says he followed the example of his father, Asa. But his son, Jehoram, made the decision to follow after the examples of the kings of Israel and was wicked. The next few generations of kings rejected God and are not mentioned by Matthew in this genealogy — Jehoram, Ahaziah, Joash, Amaziah.

Uzziah was a successful king but gave himself the credit instead of God. He did not recognize God’s generosity, nor was he thankful for it. Jotham did what was pleasing in the eyes of the Lord, but his son Ahaz was a very wicked king. It was during this time of darkness and despair that the prophet Isaiah cast hope for God’s people that a Messiah would come.

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine…
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” – Isaiah 9:2,6-7

We can all probably look back at our own genealogy and see examples of those who made good decisions and those who messed up over and over again. We can see the evidence of pride and self-reliance, but we can hopefully also see the evidence of those who authentically followed God. We all have a choice to make — what legacy will we leave behind for those who come after us?

WE HAVE A CHOICE REGARDING THE LEGACY WE LEAVE BEHIND FOR THOSE WHO COME AFTER US.

May Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, guide our hearts toward him. Like Hezekiah, may it be said of us that we trusted in the Lord and remained faithful in everything we did. May it be said that we sought after God wholeheartedly. Like Manasseh, will we have a repentant heart and take the new start God has given us to make some major life changes? Or like Amon, will we refuse to humble ourselves and choose instead to rebel against the Lord’s ways? May it be said of us one day that we had a heart like Josiah’s:

Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for thirty-one years…He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor, David. He did not turn away from doing what was right. – 2 Kings 22:1-2