The One Where God Sends John First

December. The month of Christmas. The month many people finally take time to stop, remember, and celebrate the birth of Jesus. The month we ponder the fact that God sent His Son in physical form to the Earth to become a sacrifice for us and all our sins. Before Jesus was born, God sent another man. Luke describes a very detailed account of John the Baptist's arrival. You see God knows us humans and how dense we are. He knew people would need someone to soften their hearts and be prepared that the Messiah was coming. What?!? Here? Now? Yes, our Messiah is coming! From the descriptions of John throughout the Bible, I think we would have become fast friends.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were old and had not had any children. They loved God and were loyal and obedient followers. An angel plopped down and chatted with Zechariah one day when he was working in the temple. The angel said something to the effect of - Hey Zechariah - no, no - don't be scared friend. I just plopped down here to let you know that God is giving you a son but be sure to name him John. He'll be super awesome in the eyes of the Lord and will be filled with the Holy Spirit before he's even born. He'll prepare people for the coming of the Messiah and he will turn hearts to the Lord. (Luke 1:11-17)

Zechariah doubted the angel and gave a few bad excuses - like they were too old or something. Gabriel (the angel) told him that since he doubted God, he'd not be able to speak until John was born. See, doubting God brings disaster. Not smart.

Needless to say Elizabeth became pregnant with John shortly after. (Luke 1:24-25) God always keeps His promises.

When Elizabeth was about 6 months along, Mary went to visit her. When Mary went in to greet Elizabeth, baby John jumped inside her and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. I cannot even comprehend the feelings all at once that had to have been going on in Elizabeth. A leaping baby in your womb and the Holy Spirit falling on you in the same instant. (Luke 1:41) Mary stayed with Elizabeth about 3 months - just until the time she was due to have little John.

Elizabeth had John and 8 days later came the celebration day. The people all expected they'd name him Zechariah but Elizabeth was insistent and said - Heck no! God said his name is John. There was shock, dismay and confusion. They all argued - uhhhh....there's no one in your family named John?! Then Zechariah stepped up and wrote on a tablet "His name is John". That very moment is when his not being able to talk was cured. (Luke 1:60-64) He proved his belief in God by naming his son John as God instructed. Belief and faith bring God's restoration.

The people around were in awe as he told them of all that happened. God was surely present on this child and they wondered what he would turn out to be. (Luke 1:65-66)

Zechariah answered everyone's question in a prophesy received by God: "And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. Because of God's tender mercy, the morning light from Heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadows of death, and to guide us to the path of peace." (Luke 1:76-79)

John grew up and didn't falter. He followed God's spirit with all his heart and became super strong in it. My favorite part - he lived in the wilderness. Aww - - the wilderness. I can only imagine what stories he must have from his journeys.

As we enter the Christmas month. Let's stop and prepare our hearts for the reality of the season. Ponder why God sent us Jesus and the true purpose behind His birth. He loves us so much and wants nothing more than to have a close-knit relationship with each of us. He has always and will continue to love us more than we can fathom regardless of what we did or what we will ever do. In a world of materialism and chaos, will you answer God's call to love Him with all your heart and soul in return?