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Readings: Luke 1:13-17 + Luke 1:67-80 + Mark 1:1-8
John the Baptist is a fascinating person. He’s known as a wild man, living in the wilderness and subsisting on honey.
But John also has a unique origin story, which undoubtedly drew attention to his family. People in town knew from the beginning that he would do something great with his life (Luke 1:66).
John was conceived to an old couple, well passed their childbearing years. Zechariah, his father, was rendered mute after being told of his birth.
John’s naming ceremony did not take place at his birth, as was the custom. Instead, he was named eight days later, during his circumcision.
And Elizabeth and Zechariah broke tradition by choosing a name outside of the family (Luke 1:61). Instead of calling him after his father, they did as the angel commanded and named him John.
Scripture tells us John was dedicated to God from the beginning, even before he was conceived (Luke 1:14-17). Nothing about his conception was typical, and as he grew up, John moved to the outskirts of society.
Likely John grew up hearing the prophesy his father was given before his conception. God had given him a job to do.
In the same way, our worth and identity are given to us by God.
So often during this season, we get caught up in doing things we think we should. We spend a lot of money on gifts and decorations for our houses.
Our Instagram and social media feeds are well crafted, showing life’s highlight reel. We watch as friends get engaged, married, or announce pregnancies, and we feel far behind.
For some, the Christmas season doesn’t live up to the hype. We are left disappointed, drained, tired, and sad. But God offers more for us.
The try-hard, curated life isn’t the life God has for us. Like John, God knows who we are. He has given us our worth. And he’s told us who we are from the beginning.
We are created by God and made for good works he has prepared in advance for us. (Ephesians 2:10)
Our bodies are temples where the Holy Spirit, given by God, lives. (1 Corinthians 6:19)
We are set free from sin and set apart as holy. (Romans 6:22)
We are an extension of Christ, who lives in us. (Galatians 2:20)
We are not timid or fearful but can live in the power, self-discipline, and love granted to us by God’s Spirit. (2 Timothy 1:7)
John stepped fully into his identity as given by God. And it’s a good thing he did. It’s through John’s work, and the subsequent work of Christ on Earth, that we truly know what we’re worth.
Jesus gave his life for each of us, and it was a tremendous price to pay (1 Peter 1:18-19). God gave us a physical sign of our value to him. He wants us to know we matter.
Journal Prompt: Does the holiday season make you feel worthy or worthless? What practices or traditions might need to change? How is God showing you your worth during this season?
