Devotion Booklets for Seasons of the Church Year 2016 | Page 24

Tuesday—December 13th

A Letter for You…
Luke 1:5-25
It seems all I have been doing for the past few months is writing letters. But ever since I lost
my voice it is the only way that I can communicate with others. It’s an incredibly frustrating
thing for a priest like me to have to communicate this way. But regrettably, I have no one to
blame but myself.

I (of all people) should have known better. My wife, Elizabeth and I have been faithful
members of the church for many, many years. Over those years I have learned about the many
marvelous things God has done for His people; how He parted the Red Sea when He delivered
His people from Egypt, how He caused manna to fall from heaven as He provided for His
people in the wilderness, and how He led His people in victory over the Canaanites when they
entered the promised land.
I had learned about the many marvelous things God had done for His people. Yet – and I am
ashamed to admit it - I did not believe He could do such marvelous things for me. I now know
that I should have believed Gabriel. Despite my being an old man and my wife being well along
in years, I should have trusted God’s promise to give me a son - that He could do such a
marvelous thing for me. I should have trusted that what God says is what God will do.
Dear reader, I pray you learn from my mistake. When God makes you a promise, no matter
how marvelous that promise may seem to be (be it a promise to deliver you from slavery,
provide in your time of need, or bring you into a promised land) I pray you trust God’s promise.
For He who has done such a marvelous thing for me, can do such marvelous things for thee.
Soon my wife will give birth to the baby God promised. I trust that he will go before the Lord
in the spirit of Elijah and make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Soon, I will hold the
fulfillment of God’s promise and, if I have anything to say about it, his name will be John.
-Zechariah
PRAYER:
Dear heavenly Father, Just as you fulfilled your promise of a son to Zechariah so you have
fulfilled your promise of a savior to us. Forgive us when we doubt the marvelous promises you
make to us. Help us to see through the pages of scripture all the promises you have made and
fulfilled. Help us to learn from them that what you say is what you will do. Fill us with trust as
we prepare to celebrate your fulfilled promise of a Savior. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
ACTIVITY:
Write a letter to a friend, neighbor, or family member inviting them to join you at your church
for Christmas this year as you celebrate God’s fulfilled promise.

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