December 23, 2022

Advent Devotional December 23, 2022

Scripture

Luke 1:57-66

57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. 60 But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” 62 Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. 63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For indeed the hand of the Lord was with him.

Devotional

The Rev. Andrew Tennant ’12, DMin student

The season of Advent offers us two birth narratives: the more celebrated being Jesus, and the often less celebrated of John the Baptist. However, John’s story plays a vital part to not only the birth narrative of Jesus but also to the shaping and beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. As the Messiah’s coming was prophesied in throughout the prophets so too was the coming of the mighty prophet that would be a voice in the wilderness preparing the way of the Lord, and that prophet would become John the Baptist.

As faith leaders, we are called to be a voice out in the wilderness not only in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ, but also to prepare the way for Christ’s second coming. As we draw closer to our celebrations and remembrance of Jesus’ birth, let us also remember the birth of the prophet who came before him, John the Baptist. Like John, we too were given a name. Let us live into the names we have been given, and let us live into who we are as followers of Jesus Christ. May God bless you all in the name of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Merry Christmas!

Prayer

Gracious and loving God, allow us to recognize this season the two births that create the nativity story. Give us the strength and courage to step out and be voices out in the wilderness, like that of John the Baptist, as we continue our own faith journeys and as we lead others to the wellspring of life that is Jesus Christ! Amen.

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