A Hope Fulfilled - Advent DevotionalSýnishorn

John the Baptist knew who he was and what he was called to do. John 1:6-8 tells us that John the Baptist was sent by God, to witness and testify to the light, so that through his testimony, all might believe. In 1:23, John the Baptist asserts that he and his message fulfill Isaiah 40:3-4. He is the voice calling out in the wilderness, inviting all who would hear it to prepare. In Jesus, God had come to meet his people in the flesh. The time of preparation was at hand. As we anticipate the celebration of Christmas, our time of preparation is at hand. We prepare our homes, decorating for the season. We prepare our tables, to feast in honor of the birth of our King 2000 years ago. We prepare our hearts, to receive Christ anew today, and we anticipate His coming again. Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation.

It is also a season of witness, testimony, and invitation. Like John the Baptist, we are called to witness to the light of Christ. In the midst of the darkness of this world, we have hope because Christ came and will come again. We celebrate the salvation, healing, and renewal that we have experienced from Christ through the Spirit. We testify to all that Christ has done in us, so that others may believe. And we invite others to join us in the feast and celebration.

Prayer

Lord God, great things you have done! This advent season, as we prepare our homes for the celebration of Christmas, Holy Spirit work in our hearts, preparing them to welcome the King anew each day. Lord, give us the boldness to follow in the footsteps of John the Baptist, testifying to what you have done in us so that others might believe in you. All glory to you. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.

Melissa Davis, Ph.D., serves as an adjunct faculty for the Regent University School of Divinity.