Advent a time of Praising

       My word for today is praise.  I love the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth found in Luke 1.  Zachariah was a priest in the temple and while performing his duties and angel appeared to him and told him that he and Elizabeth would have a child who would prepare the people for the coming Messiah.  Zachariah doubted the angel since he and Elizabeth were older, and he was struck mute.   After the child, John, was born and he was about to be named, Zachariah’s voice was released and he began praising God.  Luke 1:68-76 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ag0) salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us-…to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness all our days.  And you, my child, will be a prophet of the Most High for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him.”    After not speaking for about a year, the first words Zachariah uttered were words of praise.  He saw that his new little son, John, was to be a special servant of God and would tell the world of the coming Messiah.  The long awaited one, Jesus, who would redeem his people and lead them spiritually to live redeemed lives of holiness, righteousness and fearless service.

      What words of praise can you give to the Lord today?  Through Jesus you have freedom from sin’s power, righteousness, eternal life, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, guidance through His Word, inner peace, hope, joy and an eternal home He has prepared for you.  Let your lips and heart give praise to God today for his precious gift of Jesus who came to redeem and save us!

Praise God today,
Linda

The Western Wall is all that remains of the temple where the angel appeared to  Zachariah.  It is a place of prayer today.