Advent Day 3

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 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. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 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. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God..

Luke 1:11-16

We are anticipating the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, our Lord. This is advent. And this year we are following Luke’s gospel as he passes on to us the eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life.

You remember yesterday (Luke 1:5-10) we were given a few clues that something significant was about to happen. Or perhaps someone. Now, we have our answer.

God will bring forth a child from a barren womb. This child will be special and will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord. But… There have been special people before.

For those who are new to the Bible and the story of Jesus. You need to feel the anticipation. For thousands of years all creation has been waiting for not one amongst many special people. But for a Messiah.

The Messiah is the promised one of God. He will not just bring many people back to the Lord. But He will rescue His people from their sins and deliver the Kingdom of God. Is John the promised one?

We will find out.

For Today:

• What do you know of the promised Messiah?
• What sort of birth would you expect the Messiah to have?
• Have a read of Isaiah 9:1-7

Pray:

• Praise the Father for sending the Messiah.
• Give thanks for Jesus Christ who rescues us from our sins.
• Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others be excited by the coming Messiah.