Like John the Baptist

Today's reading: Luke 1:67-80

"And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." -Luke 1:76-79

The act of speaking a word of blessing over your children is a Hebrew cultural tradition. But it is one that would be of great benefit here today! I don't think parents take the time to speak God's blessing over their children's lives enough- and if we did, perhaps they wouldn't struggle so hard with the voices of curse so loud in our culture! This is a powerful and Spirit-filled blessing over John's life- one that would be fulfilled completely!

God sent John to prepare the way of Jesus- to get the people ready for His coming! And like John, we as Christians also have the responsibility to prepare others for His second coming! There are so many who don't know the way of salvation- and aren't even sure they want to be saved because of the poor example of so many "Christians"! But we, like John, are called to give knowledge of salvation to the people around us, to be His merciful presence in the world, to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide their feet into the way of peace.

Are you ready to imitate John the Baptist in our world today? Let us resolve to speak blessings, to be merciful, and to give light this Christmas holiday!