December 6, 2008

The Last of the Prophets
John 1:6-8 (HCSB) 6 There was a man named John who was sent from God. 7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light.
As we talk about the real smells of Christmas, when we get to John the Baptist, be prepared to hold your nose. When he grew up he wore camel skin clothes and lived in the dessert. I don’t imagine he smelled very good. It is true he got in the water to baptize so he washed off some of that stink, but then he was wearing wet camel skin clothes! Anyway, I digress.
The story of the birth of John the Baptist would really be a bigger story to tell if it were not for the fact that it is so closely interwoven with genuinely the greatest story of a birth ever. John would probably approve because He knew that he was to decrease and the Messiah was to increase. However, John is the last of the prophets. He is the last one who predicts the coming of the Messiah, only to have the Messiah walk up to him to be baptized. I am sure that (if they were not in heaven where they could not sin) Isaiah and the other guys would be insanely jealous. Imagine! The prophet speaks and instantly his prophesy comes true!
We know enough about the story to know that not everyone received the truth, but thank God for a prophet born six months before Jesus’ who would prepare the way.

Questions for Discussion
How would you like a camel skin robe for Christmas?
How can we prepare the way in the hearts of our friends and neighbors for Jesus?

Prayer
Dear Jesus, help me to prepare people to hear about and receive you. Amen.

Song
“Angels We have Heard on High”