Luke 1:76-80 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of
the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby
the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and
in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in
spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Things had begun to change in the hearts of the people of Israel. The rituals were making a personal relationship with God not possible or needed. The birth of John signified that God was about to move again–he had not done so in over 400 years. The world today is in much the same shape as then. People are losing touch with God. "Churchiness" is the norm–worship is church centered, not God centered. We know very well that it's time for God to move again.
It took the power of God for both Elizabeth and Mary to conceive. However, it is likely that Elizabeth's conception was more visible via the fact that Zacharias was the High Priest. It would have been common knowledge that he and Elisabeth had no children. Since she was past child bearing years it would have been considered a great miracle. The Bible says the people marveled. Whereas Mary's conception, though a miracle, was probably cast aside as indiscretion on her part or the part of both Mary and Joseph. Remember that even Joseph had his doubts at first; imagine what others thought.
How does Daniel fit into the Christmas story? Look at this verse.
Daniel 8:16 And I heard a man's voice between the banks
of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to
understand the vision.
Why was John, the forerunner, necessary? John was the final prophet and the first since the Old Testament. The mindset of the people had to be changed; God didn't like the impersonal religion of the day. A prophet would plow the way to change; people would be shook up in preparation for the appearance of Jesus. If President Bush was coming to Marion, he wouldn't just pop in one day. Several weeks prior to his arrival we'd know something was up. People would come prepare the way, set up things, interview people–and as a herald is, whether he be a presidential aide or John– the way is prepared; and upon the arrival of the person of importance, the herald moves to the background so that the attention of the people is not on him. The people should not have been surprised when Jesus came on the scene. John had been preaching "repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand."
Jesus was raised just like us, in an ordinary life, in a little town called Nazareth. John was raised in the temple since his father was the High Priest. When he was of age, possibly around 12 years old, he left home. If not, he would have met Jesus when he and his family traveled to Jerusalem when Jesus was 12. John went into the desert and ate locusts and wild honey; he wore camel hair garments. When Jesus came on the scene, John was taken away quickly because his job was done. John said he must decrease and Jesus must increase.
Why did Gabriel speak to Zacharias and not Elisabeth and Mary not Joseph? The conception of John would occur due to an act between a husband and wife. Mary's conception was between her and God.
Don't forget the part Zacharias, Elisabeth, John, Daniel and Gabriel played in the story of Christmas. Let the seed be sown in your heart as you celebrate this year.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 