In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come...." People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. (Matthew 3:1-2,5-6 NIV)
John the Baptist made his days count. He lived life plain and simple--camel hair clothes and a leather belt; roasted locusts (surely he didn't eat them raw) and wild honey to eat. What impresses me most, though, is that John the Baptist was a man who knew his purpose. He was on Earth to prepare the world for Jesus, and he never wavered. He lived with spiritual focus. Isn't that the kind of life you want to live?
Let's do Christmas differently. Let's follow John's lead and prepare the people around us for Jesus. Tell the people in your world why Jesus came. Explain to them why he died. Show people how Jesus has transformed your life. Let them know how they can have a relationship with the Savior.
Let's make Christmas count. Let's use the opportunities throughout this season to prepare the way for Jesus, and let's keep sharing the Good News throughout the year.
Father, remind me often to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. Remind me to pick up the pace and follow hard after him. Remind me when I need to slow down and regain my focus. Help me to be a preparer of the way. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
The Holy Holidays - goTandem"Precious Thoughts" goTandem
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! (Psalm 139:17-18)
What does the writer seem to be feeling in these verses?
What helps you stop and reflect on the fact that you are so precious to God?
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