THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST FORETOLD

Text:  Luke 1:1-17

The text presents us with the actual  background of John the Baptist's physical birth. But we all know how his birth was foretold in  the book of Malachi 4:4-6. I like to take it from verse 4 so that we grasp the whole context. It presents a closure to the old testament and serves as a precursor to the new. In other words this prophecy holds a special place of transition between the old and the new covenants. 

It reads;

Remember the teachings of my servant Moses, the laws and commands which I gave him at Mount Sinai for all the people of Israel to obey. But before the great and terrible day of the lord comes, I will send you the prophet Elijah, He will bring fathers and children together again; otherwise I would have to come and destroy your country"

This is the same John the Baptist whom we are reading about today. Just as Jesus' birth was predicted so also was John's and his (John's)  role was specifically determined beforehand. This is the nature of the awesome God we serve, he has everything well planned, spelt out waiting for the appointed time to manifest. John came with a  straightforward message. He was a no-nonsense kind of guy—a man on a mission. He focused on the unique task of preparing Israel for the coming ministry of Jesus Christ. He confronted spiritual hypocrisy and hardness, instructing people to confess their sins and return to God. He prepared the way for the Lord.

As we think of Christmas, we can’t help but think of preparations. Getting ready for the holidays usually involves putting up decorations, purchasing gifts, making meal plans, scheduling travel—all kinds of preparations. Unfortunately, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of such natural preparations, we sometimes forget about the most important preparation. We fail to spiritually prepare. Let this Christmas season be a time of preparing the way for the Lord in your life. Set aside some time to take a spiritual inventory, to account for your sins and to return with renewed passion to Jesus Christ. Get ready for the good things God has planned for your future.

PRAYER: Lord, in the midst of all the busyness of our holiday preparations, we ask that you help us find moments of quietness and reflection. Help us to take the time to prepare our hearts afresh to receive Christ anew In Jesus’ name, Amen