23 December: Year A

1^st Reading: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24: I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the day of the Lord comes.

Gospel: Luke 1:57-66: The birth of John the Baptist.

The birth of a child is a significant event for every parent. But birth of John was a significant event for every generation, an event that says much to every person.

1.    The child’s birth:

a.    Sealed God’s power: Elizabeth was barren and she was old enough.

b.    Sealed God’s mercy: God loved his people and fulfilled his promise sending the messenger to prepare the way of the Lord.

c.     Caused all to rejoice: not only parents but all believers and people.

2.    The child’s name sealed a prophetic witness:

a.    The child was circumcised: Given up to God.

b.    The name was disputed.

c.     The father confirmed the name John.

3.    The child’s birth caused several important results:

a.    The father was miraculously healed and praised God.

b.    The people were awe stricken.

c.     The events were spread abroad.

d.    The sense of destiny surrendered the child.

Thought: All above four results should take place in our lives. God wants to use every one of us in His plan of salvation, both to be saved and to bear witness to His salvation.

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