#1415. Luke 1:76-80 - Prepare the way for the Lord (24/12/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue our Christmas series.

From Luke 1:76–80, we learn that just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, each of us is also called to prepare the way for Him in the hearts and lives of others.

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1. John, and the church, are called to prepare the way 

Previously in His prophecy, Zechariah has spoken of how God has kept His promises in sending Jesus, the Saviour; he now prophesies over his newborn son and how he will prepare the way for Jesus:

John’s entire life and ministry was devoted to making Jesus known - through his lifestyle and words, he pointed  beyond himself to the coming King - to Jesus.

Though John’s calling was unique, the principle remains true for every disciple of Jesus: we are all called to prepare the way for Him in our ourselves and the lives of others.

We prepare the way when we:

• Open our own hearts and lives open to His rule in every corner. 

• Model kindness and godliness in our lives. 

• Share,  ‘the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins’- share the gospel message thoughtfully with others.  

Just as John prepared hearts for Christ’s first coming, the church, and each of us, prepares hearts for His saving work today - in this sense the church and all of us are prophets for God! 

2. We share but salvation comes from God’s tender mercy 

John would announce salvation, but he could not create it. Zechariah is clear that, through John, God will:

Forgiveness for sins comes “because of the tender mercy of our God.” We do not deserve mercy - if mercy were an obligation then it would no longer be mercy and grace! Salvation is from God - He has taken the initiative to give us the means of salvation (the gospel) and He has called us into this salvation. 

These words speak of God’s heart and willingness to forgive and show mercy. He sees us in our sin, our confusion, our weakness, and His response is tender mercy. He delights to forgive. He delights to restore. Christmas reveals a God who draws near, not with harshness, but with kindness that leads to repentance.

Every time we share the gospel, we know that it’s only God who can change a heart and life, but we can rest in God’s inclination and power to work in people. 

3. Jesus is the rising sun that brings light, life and peace 

Zechariah describes Jesus as:

The is such a beautiful image: Jesus is like dawn breaking over a cold and dark landscape, Jesus enters the world to:

• “Shine on those living in darkness”

• Dispel “the shadow of death”

• Guide our feet “into the path of peace”

Where Jesus shines, darkness retreats. Where Jesus comes, peace replaces fear. Where Jesus is known, death loses its grip.

4. John grew and became strong in spirit and so must we

Verse 80 closes with a simple but significant statement:

John’s role was to point to Jesus - the Light and Saviour. Ours is the same. In a world of moral confusion, spiritual blindness, and deep anxiety, we help others find the One who guides weary feet into peace.

John ‘became strong in spirit’ before God uses used him publicly, and so must we! He forms us privately. The wilderness prepares the messenger. What we do in secret and obscurity - how we sow into knowing God - will determine how well we can bring others to Jesus!

Response

Like John, we are called to prepare the way for Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit today:

• Please fill me and prepare me. 

• Help me to make the most of every opportunity to speak of you and point others to you. 

Let’s live as those who shine His light, announce His forgiveness, and guide others into the path of peace.

May we, like John, be strong in spirit — ready to prepare the way for the Lord.

Community Group Notes

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