John the Baptizer was brought into the world as a miracle to his parents, an encouragement to Mary (pregnant with Jesus), and a promise of deliverance for this Jewish nation under Roman oppression.

Darkness and the shadow of death may have kept the world then (and now) from recognizing the path of peace provided through our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.

If we, like John the Baptist, remember our spiritual strengthening, we may even recognize that it includes a bit of seclusion (like living in the wilderness).

Strong in Spirit means sustenance for that which God has prepared as our own ministry. We gain strength by living without distraction. We gain strength through time alone with God and in His word.

The light of His presence and the breaking up of shadows provides clarity. Not only do the wrong motives of those seeking fame or fortune become obvious but those hiding in the shadow lands cannot skulk around anymore.

God has certainly shown His tender mercies on Israel and the entire world, through His Son.

No longer am I waiting for the approval of those who appear powerful but am resting in the certainty of Him who is all powerful.

As I offer my body a living sacrifice, Lord, holy and acceptable to You, which is my reasonable service of worship…I will no longer be conformed to this world but I receive your transformation by the renewing of my mind, proving that which is Your good, perfect and acceptable will, oh God. (My prayer based on..Romans 12:1,2)

How great the joy of Elizabeth and Zechariah as they welcomed their son. How great our joy as we recognize the Savior, God’s Son. -Teresa #ministryaccomplished

Luke 1:67-80 (NLT)

⁶⁷ Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy:

⁶⁸ “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has visited and redeemed his people.
⁶⁹ He has sent us a mighty Savior^[a]
    from the royal line of his servant David,
⁷⁰ just as he promised
    through his holy prophets long ago.
⁷¹ Now we will be saved from our enemies
    and from all who hate us.
⁷² He has been merciful to our ancestors
    by remembering his sacred covenant—
⁷³ the covenant he swore with an oath
    to our ancestor Abraham.
⁷⁴ We have been rescued from our enemies
    so we can serve God without fear,
⁷⁵ in holiness and righteousness
    for as long as we live.

⁷⁶ “And you, my little son,
    will be called the prophet of the Most High,
    because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
⁷⁷ You will tell his people how to find salvation
    through forgiveness of their sins.
⁷⁸ Because of God’s tender mercy,
    the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,^[b]
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    and to guide us to the path of peace.”

⁸⁰ John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.

Shoveling snow (the garage kept our tractor, used for snow plowing, potato field plowing and cutting summer grass for the hay barn where we housed the hunting dogs). I first learned to drive on the tractor!