Christmas Devotional Revisited 2022
December 13th
Centenary Christmas Devotional - 2009
Read Luke 1:67-75
|
|
This passage records the first words that Zechariah had spoken in approximately nine months! As you may recall, Zechariah doubted God’s promise and was muted until the fulfillment of that promise (the birth of John the Baptist). Nine months later, God kept His promise and we get to hear how the nine months had changed Zechariah’s heart.
Verse 67 is my favorite from this passage because it states that Zechariah “was filled with the Holy Spirit” while he prophesied. At this point in history, the Holy Spirit was not a permanent resident with believers, but was rather given and taken by God the Father for specific purposes (see also the story of Samson in Judges 13-16). Therefore, this song of praise is truly inspired by God! Zechariah has renewed his faith in God’s promises and cannot help but voice his gratitude. If we were to be honest with ourselves, how much faith and how grateful are we for God and His unfailing promises?
Digging Deeper
Verse 67 is my favorite from this passage because it states that Zechariah “was filled with the Holy Spirit” while he prophesied. At this point in history, the Holy Spirit was not a permanent resident with believers, but was rather given and taken by God the Father for specific purposes (see also the story of Samson in Judges 13-16). Therefore, this song of praise is truly inspired by God! Zechariah has renewed his faith in God’s promises and cannot help but voice his gratitude. If we were to be honest with ourselves, how much faith and how grateful are we for God and His unfailing promises?
Digging Deeper
- Why is Zechariah giving praise to God? (vs. 68)
- Zechariah mentioned God’s rescuing us from our enemies in verse 74. What has God rescued you from?
- Thank God for rescuing you.
Suggested Prayer: Pray for the single parents in our community.
A Special Christmas Memory from Nelda C.
One year we piled as many people into an old car that we owned and headed for Christmas Tree Lane in Turlock. Children were sitting on laps (there were no seat belts in the car) and we kept the windows down because they were all fogged up! It was very cold so we sipped on hot chocolate and put blankets on our laps. The kids yelled out "Merry Christmas" to everyone as we drove along Christmas Tree Lane. We then went to the drive thru Nativity at Monte Vista Chapel and all of the children were in awe. Sweet Memories!!"
One year we piled as many people into an old car that we owned and headed for Christmas Tree Lane in Turlock. Children were sitting on laps (there were no seat belts in the car) and we kept the windows down because they were all fogged up! It was very cold so we sipped on hot chocolate and put blankets on our laps. The kids yelled out "Merry Christmas" to everyone as we drove along Christmas Tree Lane. We then went to the drive thru Nativity at Monte Vista Chapel and all of the children were in awe. Sweet Memories!!"
