Livin Lively

By Peggy Lively

            While reading the Christmas story in Luke Chapters 1 and 2, I became increasingly aware that there are two important births foretold and fulfilled in these chapters. In Luke 1:13-15, the birth of John the Baptist is foretold to Zechariah: “But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.’” Then just 14 verses later, the birth of Jesus is foretold to Mary: “The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.’” (Luke 1:30-32) The angel informs Mary that Elizabeth is going to have a baby too, and that she is already in her sixth month. So Mary hurries to visit Elizabeth, and she barely enters Zechariah’s home when Elizabeth shouts out to her. “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!’” (John 1:41-42) So here at this meeting is Jesus and John the Baptist, womb to womb.

            The birth of John the Baptist is recorded in this same chapter, “When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.” (Luke 1:57) Then the birth of Jesus is recorded just 25 verses later, at the beginning of chapter 2. “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:6-7)

            The significance of these two births is found in the importance of their relationship. John and Jesus did not grow up together, nor did they know each other until they were about 30 years old. (Luke 3:23) It says that John, “grew and became strong in spirit, and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.” (Luke 1:80) In fact, John says he would not have even known Jesus if it had not been for the sign of the dove: “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.’ Then John gave this testimony: ‘I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.” (John 1:29-34)

            John’s whole life purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. He was, “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” (Matthew 3:3) When people wondered if John himself might be the Christ, he answered them saying, “I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.” (John 3:28) “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Luke 3:16) John continually pointed to Jesus, saying, “He must become greater; I must become less.” John “exhorted the people and preached the good news to them.” (Luke 3:18)

Jesus promises that He will return again, how are we preparing the way for Him? Are we continually pointing to Him, preaching the good news to all people?

             As we honor the birth of our Savior, let us also consider the birth of His servant John and how we might be like him, preparing the way for our Lord. Jesus spoke of John saying, ^“I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John.” (Luke 7:28)

Have a very blessed Christmas!