To everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.” Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.   (Luke 1:63-64)

Did you ever think about what December would be like if Christ had never come?

We could easily get side-tracked by the cold and gray often found in our December days. We would have the New Year to look forward to, or maybe not. There would be snow in the future, or ice and a cold, cold rain. No time off from school or work, no reason to gather with family and friends, no gifts or cards, no thoughtful words.

Sounds rather depressing to me.

We all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season and quite often we complain that there’s too much to do. But what if we had no reason to do it?

When I think of John the Baptist, I think of someone who was bold and fearless. His parents, likewise, were bold, as they named him John, much to the surprise of family and friends who expected him to be named after his father. They were preparing the way for the Lord. In their own way, they were celebrating the coming of Christ.

We, too, need to be bold and fearless when it comes to preparing for the coming of Christ. We must   joyfully prepare for this most special of holidays, and passionately wish people a “Merry Christmas,” for without Jesus, there would be no reason to celebrate! And always keep in mind, He’ll be back again!

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be bold in our celebration of Your first arrival here on Earth. Give us the passion we need to share You with those we meet each day. And let Your light shine in our heart and in our faces, that others may come to know and love You because they see You in us. In Your name we pray….Amen.

Lyn Wilhelm
First UMC of Fairless Hills
December 23, 2015