People everywhere are celebrating the holiday season but many don’t have any idea of how Christmas began. This story telling about the birth of John the Baptist plays a serious role in the coming of Jesus into the world.
Today, we’ll look at Luke 1: 11-15. This passage tells the incredible story of the angel’s visit to Zechariah. God’s plan brings John into Scripture and leads to the beginning of Christ’s ministry.
The Christmas Story & John the Baptist
And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.
Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him.
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.
You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. – Luke 1: 11-15 NASB
God’s Promise of a Son to Zechariah
Who was Zechariah?
Zechariah was a priest serving in the temple when an angel of the Lord appeared to him. Despite being advanced in age, and his wife Elizabeth, being barren, God chose Zechariah to be the father of John the Baptist. This divine selection gave testament to God’s power to bring forth miracles. It fulfilled prophecy, as Zechariah and Elizabeth’s son would prepare the way for the coming of Jesus Christ.
Who was John?
* The name John means ‘the Lord is gracious,‘ and Jesus means ‘the Lord saves.‘
God prescribed both names. They were chosen by Him — Not human parents. So, the names had purpose, as we will later learn. This purpose reminds people of God’s power, love and mercy.
Why Did God Send Christ?
God has always saved His people throughout the Bible ( Remember Israel in Egypt?).
But sending Jesus is His ultimate and final way of showing His unending love for you and me. God will not withhold salvation from anyone who sincerely comes to him and asks. God provided us with a way to be reconciled to Him through Jesus. He sent His Son to pay the price for our sins, so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life. Jesus is God’s ultimate and final act of love for us.
Why Do We Celebrate Christmas?
As we enter into the Christmas season let’s take a moment of pause and reflect on the real reason we celebrate. Many people have asked the question; “Why do we celebrate Christmas“.
And yes, the answer is really simple. Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ. He came to earth to live among us. He died on the cross and rose on the third day so that we might be forgiven from sin.
Remember Family – Remember God
Christmas presents, family and friends gathering together are precious. But, God’s promise of everlasting life through Jesus Christ is awesome!
He leaves under the tree gifts of:
- love,
- peace,
- forgiveness,
- joy,
- comfort,
- and compassion.
No one can take these priceless gifts away. People can never replace them. We should appreciate, cherish and never take these gifts for granted.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16.
Continue The Christmas Story >>
A special treat – Watch the “Little Drummer Boy” as performed by Ritchie Petrie on the “Dick Van Dyke Show”.
