And you, child, will be called the prophet of the most high, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.
Luke 1:76-77
In this passage from the first chapter of Luke, Zechariah speaks this prophecy at his and his wife Elizabeth’s newborn son John’s circumcision and naming, declaring John’s calling as a prophet. John will prepare
the way for Jesus Christ’s coming with the good news of “knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.”
During the season of Advent, we contemplate what the special gift that the coming of Christ into this world means for us. “Knowledge of
salvation by forgiveness of their sins”—this is a wonderful gift! We do not need to earn it! We need only accept that Jesus brings us salvation by the forgiveness of our sins through his birth and death. Wow! This is the ultimate gift.
This gift is for sharing. In my daily life, I strive to conduct myself in a manner that radiates the joy that the knowledge of salvation through forgiveness of my sins brings, and that I take every opportunity to share this good news just like John the Baptist who prepared the way for the coming of Christ into the hearts and minds of the people of Israel.
Let us pray: Dear God, As I prepare my heart and mind during Advent, may I be a witness, perhaps a prophet, for the wonderful gift of salvation by the forgiveness of our sins, through the coming of Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. Amen.
Cathy Keim is a donor and longtime friend of Liberty Lutheran and Artman.
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