Christmas Advent Devotional | Day 13
Advent – Day 13
What kind of child will this be? Today, guest contributor Mr. Nelson Okata focuses the lens on the gift given to us to steward the children around us. Looking at the transformation of Christ, we can see that no child is a mistake, useless, or irrelevant. We continue our Advent devotional series from the book of Luke. Advent means “coming,” and we are taking time to reflect on the birth, and second coming of our Lord Jesus in this Christmas season, and its significance to each one of us.
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:11-13, 65-66
11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.
Devotional Thoughts
When a baby is born, everyone is taken with how cute and adorable they are. On the other end of the newborn’s arrival is their helplessness and total dependence on adults (parents, care givers and love ones) for all their needs. As these needs are met, the newborn baby achieves milestones of infancy, childhood, becomes a teenager, then eventually an adult, where he or she assumes full responsibility for themselves. The baby’s growth trajectory could be toward a great destiny, or toward an undesirable one. This is due in part to the stewardship of the adults nurturing and raising them.
In the case of John the Baptist, the above scripture encapsulates the incredible events surrounding his birth. First, his father, Zacharias had an angelic encounter, where he was told he would have a son named John. John was sent to prepare the way for Christ. Zacharias was struck dumb after that until the time for naming his son came. “John” was not a common name in their family and the family was concerned about the name. Zacharias’ season of being dumb was lifted just in time for him to affirm the name given by the angel. These extraordinary events caused many to say, “What kind of child will this be?” and “The hand of the Lord was with him.” This rhetorical question is legitimate because no one can actually tell what the future holds for a child born into God’s plan and agenda. John the Baptist grew to become the forerunner of Christ, described by Christ as a burning and a shining light.
In the same vein, one could have assumed that the Lord Jesus would grow to become a shepherd or carpenter because He was born in a manger among animals, and because His father was a carpenter. His nurturing parents however raised him by the guidance of the Spirit of God, and gave room for Him to soar beyond their limited vision for His life. He did indeed become a carpenter, but in the fullness of time, His true identity was unveiled. His identity as King, Savior, Healer, Wonderful Counsellor, Redeemer and Judge!
Reflection
The births of John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus shows us how a child experiences transformation under the guidance of their parents but also by the hand of the Lord. In this season, let us cherish the children God has given us, whether biological or otherwise. No child is a mistake, useless, or irrelevant. Our father God never gives useless gifts. Let’s love them, pray for them and give them all the support they require as we watch them be transformed into their glorious destinies.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of the children you have placed in our lives. Grant us the wisdom to nurture them, love them, guide them, and to pray for them. May they be delivered from evil attacks. May they walk in the fulness of the destinies you planted in them even before they were born. For those who have lost children, comfort them in this time, we pray. We bless your holy name! Amen.
Master Sergeant Nelson Okata is the current Alternate Flight Chief of Decentralized Material Support (DMS) for the 920th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Patrick Space Force Base, Florida. He Supervises over 19 members on issues regarding the welfare, readiness, training, morale, and proper utilization and progress of the Total Force Airmen. He is also dedicated to serving in his church, Revival International, Orlando, FL (UDHMM) and loves spending time in God’s word and prayer. He is married to his wife Faith, and they live in Orlando with their daughter.
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Christmas Advent Devotional Day 12
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