Christmas: The Divine Interruption ናሙና

John the Baptist  

While Zacharias and Elizabeth were responsible for his upbringing, John the Baptist came into the world in a supernatural and dramatic way. As Jesus’ forerunner, John’s existence was divinely appointed to announce Jesus’ arrival. And what an incredible life John lived, from his miraculous birth all the way to his tragic death. It’s noteworthy to consider that John and Jesus were very close in age. While we celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas, it’s likely that John the Baptist was born within the year prior to Jesus’ birth.

True to form with his supernatural birth, John didn’t live an average or ordinary life. Despite growing up in a priest’s home, John the Baptist lived in the wilderness, wore weird clothes (camel’s hair with a leather belt), and ate strange food (locusts and wild honey). In addition to these eccentricities, John attracted lots of attention through his message and lifestyle. John preached repentance, baptized people in the Jordan River, and called his fellow Jews to prepare their hearts for the soon-coming Messiah. John understood that his life was a signpost, placed with divine and strategic purpose to help people look for the Messiah. 

May the same hold true for us today, such that we live as signposts to point people in our lives to Jesus, His love for them, and His redemptive plan for their lives.

Reflection: What are some viable ways you could express God’s love to people around you to point them to Jesus in this season of their life?