Sunday, December 8

But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous— to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” - Luke 1:13-17

Have you ever prayed for something over and over again? You feel like God isn’t going to answer, and he never will. Do you stop asking or do you pray without ceasing? 1Thessalonians 5:16-17

Zechariah and Elizabeth remained faithful to God. By doing so they received the greatest blessings. Not only were they going to have a child that they longed for, but a son that was already filled with the Holy Spirit. A son that was appointed for special service to God.

God has given each one of us, gifts and talents that he wants us to use to bring others to Christ. Pray and ask God, what he has appointed you to do. He may take you out of your comfort zone, but don’t miss the opportunity to grow. Ephesians 5:15-16

John’s role was similar to the prophet Elijah. John was to prepare the people of Israel to repent and to turn to the Lord.

 Do you have a family member, or friend that you’ve been praying for to turn to God? I think we all do. Plant the seed and continue to pray even if their not receptive. God hears all our prayers. Be encouraged, have faith, and trust in our merciful Savior.

May you reflect the light of Jesus this Christmas Season,
Theresa Svoboda