Leaps of Faith and Joy

Nº 175 weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - December 7, 2021

The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity--hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory--because at the Father's will Jesus became poor, and was born in a stable so that thirty years later He might hang on a cross. - J.I. Packer

Mary’s world turned upside down when the angel announced that she would be the mother of Jesus. But other’s lives were upended as well. Mary’s cousin Elizabeth was pregnant with a miraculous baby, John. Mary visited Elizabeth to share her joyous news, and when she arrived Elizabeth said, “...when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” (Luke 1:44) The focus of John the Baptist’s life was Jesus.

• John baptized repentant Israelites as they anticipated their Messiah’s arrival. And he baptized Jesus who chose to identify with that faithful group.

• John magnified Jesus, telling his disciples, “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30)

• John wrestled with honest doubts. He questioned Jesus’ identity and sent messengers to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Luke 7:20)

Reflecting on John’s life and martyrdom, Jesus said, “...among those born of women there is no one greater than John.” (Luke 7:28) Maybe this Christmas, like John we should leap for joy, identify with Jesus, magnify Him, and wrestle deeply with who He is. And once that issue is settled, we will again leap for joy.

Dan Bolin President Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc