Advent 2024 - Day 21

Day 21: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Primary Scripture: Luke 3:15-18
Supporting Scriptures: Titus 3:4-7; John 3:16-17

Most of us go through life engaging with the people in our inner circle; family, colleagues, neighbors.  We're seldom exposed to a "Wow, where the that person come from" kind of experience.  Many years ago I drew the short straw and had to babysit the summer intern at a large aerospace company.  My trainee turned out to be a 19 year old kid from MIT.  Yes, the one in Boston. This kid was heads and shoulders above every developer in our department. A  task that would take most of us a few weeks to design/code/test  was finished in a few hours.  Funny part was, I was not even intimidated nor humbled.  I learned that there are people in this world that have gifts that I have never imagined possible.  John was saying sort of the same thing - I'm a water baptizer kind of guy.  But just wait till you see is coming to the shop floor!

As John the Baptist points to the coming Messiah, he emphasizes the difference between his own ministry and that of Jesus. John baptizes with water, but Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, bringing both salvation and judgment. John’s message is one of anticipation and hope, preparing the people for the transformative power of Jesus’ ministry.

Titus 3:4-7 beautifully describes the salvation Jesus brings: “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” Through Jesus, we are justified by grace and made heirs of eternal life. John 3:16-17 reminds us that Jesus came into the world not to condemn it, but to save it.

Advent is a time to reflect on the incredible gift of salvation that Jesus offers. He came to bring us new life, to baptize us with the Holy Spirit, and to refine us with His fire. As we prepare for Christmas, let us respond to His grace with gratitude and a renewed commitment to follow Him.

Let's Pray:
Jesus, thank You for the gift of salvation and for the power of Your Holy Spirit. Refine us with Your fire and transform us by Your grace. Help us to live in the hope and joy of Your salvation, and may our lives reflect the love and mercy You have shown us. Amen.