TUESDAY December 19, 2023
News Travels Fast
Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.
Luke 1:65-66
Awe and wonder fell among all those living near an elderly priest, Zacharias, and his wife, Elizabeth. They had heard of the miraculous events leading to the birth of their newborn son, John. People spoke about the angel that Zacharias saw while serving the Lord in the Temple and his inability to speak when he approached those praying outside. Later, a child was born to the couple in their old age. What did these extraordinary events mean?
As the people discussed these unusual events among themselves, news of what had happened began to spread throughout all the hill country of Judea. When people talk, news travels fast! Those who heard what happened came to this conclusion: God was doing something brand new. They could not see the bigger picture yet, so for the time being, they kept what was shared with them in their hearts. A searching question remained in their minds, “What kind of child will this be?”
People would observe that God’s hand was upon John as he grew to become a man. He would become known as John the Baptist––“ ‘the voice of one crying in the wilderness: “make straight the way of the LORD” ’ ” (John 1:23). At the right time, John’s ministry would prepare the way for Jesus Christ to become known. This humble man never pointed people to himself; he always pointed people to Christ.
Christmas is a beautiful time to reflect, discuss, and share among friends, family and neighbors the miraculous workings of God. Perhaps you have your own searching questions about the meaning of Christmas. May you find the answers you need in the Bible.
The very purpose of Christ's coming into the world was that He might offer up His life as a sacrifice for the sins of men. He came to die. This is the heart of Christmas.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
