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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I join with Mary and say, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation” (Luke 1:46–47, 49–50). You are indeed the mighty God, and I praise you today for the blessing of your Son, Jesus Christ. He is my Lord and my God. Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the birth of John the Baptist and the conception of Jesus. Over 420 years had passed since Nehemiah rebuked the remnant and called them back to covenant faithfulness. In the intervening years, the prophecies made by Daniel had come to pass. The Persian empire fell to Alexander the Great, and after his death, Egypt and Syria vied for political and military superiority in the Middle East. Israel, which lay between them, was continually embroiled in their struggle for dominance. Eventually, the Roman empire took control of Judea, and there was a long period of peace. It was during this time that the angel Gabriel announced the birth of John and Jesus. As I read, I was struck by the reference to the righteousness of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Their lives testify to the fact that people could walk “blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord” (Luke 1:6). They manifested the combination of outward compliance and inward obedience that you always wanted from your people, and they show me that I too can live a life of holiness before you. I love the preface to John’s gospel! It teaches me so many important truths about Jesus: (1) Jesus is the Son, the eternal “only begotten” of the Father, (2) Jesus is the Word, the personification of the Father’s self-expression in creation and revelation, (3) Jesus is the God-man, fully God and fully man, a union of two natures in one Person, (4) Jesus is the Life, the source of spiritual life for all who believe, (5) Jesus is the Light, the shining beacon of hope in a world of darkness, and (6) Jesus is the Exegete, the revealer and explainer of the Father. How wonderful that in these last days, you have spoken to me by your Son! You appointed Him the heir of all things, and through Him you created the world. He is the radiance of your glory and the exact imprint of your nature. He upholds the universe by the word of His power, and after making purification for sins, He sat down at your right hand (Heb 1:2–3). Hallelujah! Reflection Mary’s faith is inspiring. What Gabriel told her was impossible (Luke 1:34) and the implications of becoming pregnant while betrothed were devastating, yet she responded in faith: “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Is this my attitude when your Spirit speaks to me? Request Father, help me remember that “nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Anchor my life in the rock of your Word, and help me obey the prompting of your Spirit. Thanksgiving Thank you for sending your only Son to become flesh and tabernacle among men. I’m so grateful to be united with the One who is full of grace and truth! (John 1:14). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “O Word of God Incarnate” — William W. How. Meditation Verse: John 1:4–5. |