December 6, 2018
Luke 1:68-79 Contemporary English Version (CEV)
I truly enjoy creating environments, sharing the Word, and preparing God’s people for an encounter with the Lord. I see each opportunity as a great privilege offered by God. In our passage today infant John the Baptist is being dedicated; he will be a prophetic voice for God. One day John will take his place in God’s plan and instruct people to turn toward the Light; preparing them to receive salvation from God. John would bear witness to the Light with his life.
During this Advent season, be a part of preparing others for a visit from Messiah—the eternal Light for the darkened soul. Light and Life comes to those who welcome Messiah. He delivers us from our enemies: evil and the power of sin. Please tell people how much God loves them. Let praise rise on your lips to let others know the healing peace the Savior has brought to you. Fear is not the reason we serve Christ. We tell others because Love has called us to a miraculous life of peace with God and our neighbors.
Luke 1:68-79
68
Praise the Lord,
the God of Israel!
He has come
to save his people.
69
Our God has given us
a mighty Savior
from the family
of David his servant.
70
Long ago the Lord promised
by the words
of his holy prophets
71
to save us from our enemies
and from everyone
who hates us.
72
God said he would be kind
to our people
and keep
his sacred promise.
73
He told our ancestor Abraham
74
that he would rescue us
from our enemies.
Then we could serve him
without fear,
75
by being holy and good
as long as we live.
76
You, my son, will be called
a prophet of God
in heaven above.
You will go ahead of the Lord
to get everything ready
for him.
77
You will tell his people
that they can be saved
when their sins
are forgiven.
78
God’s love and kindness
will shine upon us
like the sun that rises
in the sky.
79
On us who live
in the dark shadow
of death
this light will shine
to guide us
into a life of peace.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for bringing Light into my dark, selfish soul. Continue to lead me and shine your divine light on the path of peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.