Who will you be when you grow up?

Luke 1:76-79 (NIV)
76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him,
77 to give His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising son will come to us from heaven,
79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.

Good morning!

When we held our newborn babies for the very first time, we couldn’t help but wonder who they would be when they grew up. Sleepy little faces, fresh from the breath of God, lay bundled up in our arms. They fill us with unspeakable love and joy; it is such a privilege to be a parent.

I was reminded of how precious the gift of life is at the hospital yesterday. I sat with my daughter and son-in-law in the Women’s Evaluation unit at a local hospital, waiting with them while Rachel was examined. I was amazed at the flurry of activity in this department. I observed several families come into the Women’s Center. Young mothers and fathers lined the hallway, patiently waiting for their turn. I listened as they talked. Some of the women were nervous; there were tears in the eyes of the fathers-to-be. They waited and hoped for the good news that their babies would be born alive and well.

Zechariah was a proud papa, and with good reason. Months before, he had been visited by Gabriel, an angel of the Lord, who carried the message of salvation for all people. When Zechariah began to question and doubt the messenger, Gabriel commanded Zechariah to be silent until God revealed Himself through the birth of his son. When baby John was born, Zechariah was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and he began to proclaim God’s master plan for salvation. He had been given a vision, and now, as he held his baby boy, Zechariah knew the Father would do great things through this new little life.

I watched the large computer screen as the midwife took a peek inside Rachel’s womb. I saw my grandchild for the very first time. Its little heart was beating normally and the tiny baby was joyfully jumping up and down inside the secret place. I could not comprehend what I was seeing. This baby was alive and well, despite all odds. Zechariah had a difficult time believing his wife Elizabeth, in her old age, could conceive and bear a son. It did not seem possible to him. My eyes were glued to that computer monitor, and I was totally surprised and overwhelmed with joy. This baby is alive. How amazing is that? For a brief, miraculous moment, I think I may have understood how Zechariah felt at the moment he held his child for the very first time.

The angel Gabriel brought a message of hope to a people who had been waiting a very long time to see the coming of their salvation. Zechariah welcomed baby John, knowing he would prepare the way for the Savior of the world. As we wait in anticipation for the coming of Christ this Christmas, rejoice in the miracle of new life. God has a plan for every one of us, and he can create something new and alive in your heart today. There was a time long ago, when your parents held you in their arms and wondered who you would be when you grew up. Do you know who you are, and whose you are? Will the Christ child be reborn in you this Christmas?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the gift of new life to fill you up with unspeakable joy. He has a plan for every child, and that includes you. Who will you be when you grow up?

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