READ: Luke 1:76-77 NLT
'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.'
Have you ever lost your voice? I’ve had sore throats at times and found difficulty speaking but only once have I lost my voice completely. It was the most bizarre experience and it went on for about a fortnight. I felt horribly disconnected from everything that was happening around me. So I have great sympathy for Zechariah who had been unable to speak for nine months. On the birth of his son, John the Baptist, he is suddenly able to speak again and here are some of his words.
He recognizes that John will have a crucial role to play in God’s plans, helping to prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry. John and Jesus were relatives, but they were brought up in very different parts of Israel and so probably didn’t know one another very well. However, John’s message of repentance was crucial in paving the way for Jesus’ ministry. And it was John’s baptism of Jesus in the Jordan that marked the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.
Preparing the way for someone else might not sound a very attractive role. But Zechariah had the eyes to see that his son’s ministry would be absolutely vital in the unfolding of God’s salvation plan. His song is full of praise as he recognizes that the coming of the Messiah would be the fulfilment of the hopes of the people of Israel. Zechariah could see that through this new chapter in history the sun would shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, and their feet would be guided into the path of peace. (Luke 1:79)
Most people have no understanding of why Jesus came to this earth. This Christmas time is just seen as a jolly holiday. However, we will have the incredible privilege of doing just what John the Baptist did 2,000 years ago. We too can prepare the way for other people to meet Jesus for themselves.
QUESTION: In what way can you prepare the way for someone to learn about Jesus this Christmas?
PRAYER: Lord, help me to prepare the way for my friends and members of my family to meet Jesus this Christmas. Amen.

Released on 23 Dec 2020