Welcome to Advent 2025! Each Sunday, we’ll explore the verses of Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55 until we reach its crescendo on Christmas Eve. From 11/30 to 12/27, we’ll read biblical passages that prompt Mary’s praise and prepare us to enter the pageant of the birth of our Savior.
Advent Passage: Luke 1:5-25, 57-80; Mark 1:1-11
Do you remember the person who first told you about Jesus? Maybe it was your parent, a preacher, or even a friend. Our choice to trust in Jesus is personal, but He provides us with people who prepare us to know Him. God did the same for His people through the birth of John the Baptist.
Six months before Gabriel visited Mary, he announced to Zechariah that he and his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son named John. John’s birth was really good news for this couple, because they had been barren for many years.
John’s birth was also good news for God’s people. Gabriel advised Zechariah that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts and minds of God’s people for the coming of Jesus.
Zechariah doubted Gabriel’s news, so the angel struck him silent. However, Elizabeth received a hint when Mary visited. Upon Mary’s arrival, John leapt in her womb, and the Holy Spirit filled her. Elizabeth recognized Mary as the“mother of my Lord” and blessed her (Luke 1:42-45).
Elizabeth celebrated John’s birth with her community. Finally, after John’s circumcision and naming, Zechariah spoke and rejoiced, too. Like Mary, he praised the Lord in song for the fulfillment of His promises and pronounced God’s plans for John as “a prophet of the Most High” (Luke 1:76).
As promised, when John grew up, he became a prophet of the Most High. He called God’s people to turn their hearts and minds back to the Lord. In response to their return, John baptized them as a symbol of their commitment. As he baptized people, John continually described the coming of One more powerful, who would baptize believers with the Holy Spirit rather than water
At the outset of His ministry, Jesus came to John and requested baptism. John resisted at first, but Jesus insisted. As soon as John baptized Jesus, the Holy Spirit descended on him, and God affirmed His Sonship.
John was a diligent and faithful prophet for Jesus. He prepared the people until Jesus began baptizing them. He always pointed the way to Jesus, saying, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:36).
Like John, my Mom is the one who first pointed me to Jesus. Who is that person for you? Maybe today is a good day to thank the Lord for them.
© 2025 Lori Myers Berry
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