December 21

“And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.” Luke 1:80 ESV

The wait for the messiah was almost over. The birth of John the Baptist was foretold by an angel of the Lord. He would be a forerunner to the promised Messiah, making ready the hearts of men.

Once again God sent an angel to give word to a righteous man that his wife would be giving birth to a son in her old age. They are given a name for this long-awaited son. His name would be John.

Once he was grown, John went into all the region around the Jordan calling for repentance of sins. He proclaimed the word of God according to the prophet Isaiah:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of the Lord,

make his paths straight.

Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and

hill shall be made low,

and the crooked shall become straight,

and the rough places shall become level ways,

and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

When he was asked if he was the messiah, John replied that he only baptized with water. There was one coming after him that would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Jesus was coming soon!

As Advent comes to a close, we thank God for keeping his word and fulfilling his promises. The truth was proclaimed, hearts were made ready, and Christ came to save the world. Praise the Lord!

Prayer for today:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit that John foretold would bring us to repentance and ready our hearts for salvation. We anticipate the birth of Jesus with joy this Advent, knowing that he died for our sins as the perfect Lamb. Help us keep your commandments so that we can live a lives that reflect your holiness. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.