Abiding in ChristmasSample

"Abiding in Christmas: Daily Advent Thoughts" by Bryan Craig

DAY TWENTY-TWO

John bore witness about Him, and cried out, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because He was before me.’" For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, He has made Him known. (John 1:15-18 ESV)

John the Baptist was about six months older than Jesus, born to his older mother Elizabeth, who was believed to be barren. This child’s miraculous conception was also announced by an angel, much like when the angel Gabriel visited Mary. John was the herald, paving the way for Jesus’ ministry. John baptized people for their sins, but he knew One who was greater was coming, who would baptize in the Holy Spirit. Up until that time, God’s people only knew about laws and their inability to keep them. Jesus, also known as the Way, the Truth and the Light, came into the world to bring grace. No longer was it about performance. It was about Jesus fulfilling the requirements of the law, gracing us with His holiness.

APPLICATION: Do you understand grace, also known as “unmerited favor”? When we were sinners, Christ came and died for us. Think about a time when someone showed you grace, gave you something you didn’t deserve. It’s powerful! Thank God for Jesus and His grace for you personally today.