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The Greatest Gift


                John the Baptist had one job and that was to “prepare the way for the Lord” (Luke 1:76).  He did that by highlighting three blessings that Jesus would bring. 
                First, he talked about a restored relationship with God.  Reunions can be wonderful.  In fact, many of you are looking forward to the Christmas season because of the reunions that will take place.  John said that Jesus would come, “To give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God” (verses 77 and 78).  Sin separates us from God, but through his Son, God gives us a way home.
                Next, John spoke of Jesus as “The rising sun [who] will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and the shadow of death” (verses 78 and 79).  The world can seem like a dark place, but Jesus brings the light of hope that allows us to see the beauty that surrounds us.  The world can be a scary place, but Jesus can change our world. 
                Lastly, John spoke about how Jesus would “Guide our feet in the path of peace” (verse 79).  One of my favorite pictures of Jesus comes from Matthew chapter eight.  He and his friends are in a little boat on the Sea of Galilee when a huge storm comes up.  His friends are scared and they believe that they are going to drown, so they call out to Jesus, but he is not worried.  In fact, he is fast asleep!  When he wakes up, he asks, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”  Faith is rooted in the belief that God is in control and that there is more going on than what we see or perceive.  One of the best marks of spiritual maturity, then, is an attitude of peacefulness. 
                Our world could certainly use some peace, some light and a spiritual connection to our heavenly father. 
                Fortunately, those blessings, and many more, are given to us through Jesus, the greatest gift of all.

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