This is important to God

There’s a backstory to the Christmas story… Just like there’s a backstory to your next miracle. We’re going to explore this over the next few days together during the Advent season.

The backstory is about a faithful couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth, who didn’t experience their miracle—a child—at first. But they kept serving God faithfully, and God blessed them. The Bible says:

“Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty … Then, an angel of the Lord appeared to him … The angel said, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” (Luke 1:8-13 NIV)

And the angel continued, describing John: “He will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17 NIV) Here’s what stands out to me: God already knew He was about to send His beloved Son, Jesus, to earth. But He didn’t say, “Book the most beautiful banquet hall and decorate it nicely.” He didn’t suddenly make magnificent trees grow so everything would look perfect when Jesus came—no.

There was one thing that mattered more to God, and it should matter more to us, too: Reconciliation and unity. ❤️

“He will go on … to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17 NIV) We’ll soon celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas. So let me ask you: are you ready to “clear the table” before then?

Are you willing to reconcile with others and maybe even say, “Father, I’ve gone my own way. Please forgive me. I’m coming back to You”?

Because when we forgive, we experience His love in a deeper way.

You are a miracle!

Déborah

P.S. The texts of this reading come from the daily email A Miracle Every Day. If you would like to receive daily encouragement, I invite you to subscribe to A Miracle Every Day.