A Recount On The Nativity Of John The Baptist

Malachi 3:1-4,23-24 Luke 1:57-66

As we approach Christmas Day, we recount the Nativity of John the Baptist. We see similarities in the two historical and remarkable events. There was the action of the Holy Spirit and the appearance of the angel. At the naming ceremony of her son, Elizabeth says that the child’s name is to be John. Zechariah, when asked, writes (because he still cannot speak) that the child’s name is John.

He does not say that he is to be called John but simply that his name is John, for that is the name the angel had already told him that the child should be called (1:13). And so writing, Zechariah is once again able to speak. Having testified to his faith in God’s providence.

The name “John” was a break from the past, and this might have been an indication of what John would be called to do. John was a continuation of all the prophets who foretold that the Messiah would come. But at the same time, he was the one who was preparing the people for the Messiah’s actual coming. His name is gracious. Like John, we are called to point people towards Jesus and to carry out his mission.

There might not have been extraordinary events surrounding our birth, but what Luke wrote about John is true for us: “For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.” Surely the hand of the Lord is with us. The people were asking what sort of child this would turn out to be (1:66). They noticed that “the hand of the Lord was with him.” This is very important in selecting someone for a ministry area of service, or a significant role, is not just that they have natural gifts, brain power, smooth-talking, or charisma; what is most important is they are a man or woman of God, that the hand of the Lord is with them. This is what we are to seek too. God is in charge and we must acknowledge him.

Would you ask this day that God be your God, that you will surrender all to him, that you worship him as God, and that his hand be with you to lead, guide, and equip you for works of service which he has prepared for you to walk in today? Remember with God all things are possible.

Fr Joseph Osho