January 13, 2014

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Read Luke 2:21-38.

How do you feel about waiting? It seems to me that the characters in this portion of Scripture did a lot of that. Today we'll meet two important people in the story and life of Christ. Each of them is mentioned only in this passage, but the magnitude of their testimonies for Jesus is far greater than a few sentences on a page. Let's take a look at who they were and how they waited.

Simeon: The Wonder of the Spirit

In verses 25-35 we meet Simeon. Scripture describes him this way:

• Righteous and devout (v. 25)
• Waiting on the consolation of Israel (v. 25) (That means he was waiting for Israel to be restored through the Messiah as was prophesied in the Old Testament)
• The Holy Spirit was upon him (v. 25)
• The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death until he had seen the Christ (v. 26)
• He was led to the temple at the time of Jesus'coming by the Holy Spirit (v. 27)
• He held Jesus in his arms and said a blessing over Him, describing His life and death and the role Jesus would play in bringing salvation and peace to the Jews and Gentiles (vv. 28-32)
• He blessed Mary and Joseph (v. 34)

Simeon was waiting. He was waiting ... for the restoration of Israel that had been prophesied in the Old Testament. He was waiting ... for Jesus, the Messiah, the One who could bring peace and hope to the world.

Simeon was waiting, but here's another question to ponder: How was he waiting? Was he anxious as he waited? Did he go off and try to find what he was waiting for on his own? Did he get sidetracked or distracted by his circumstances as he waited? Did he get stressed out as he waited, thinking he must have misheard what had been spoken to him about seeing the Christ before his death?

Nothing in this passage indicates any of those things. From what we know, Simeon waited in hope by seeking the direction of the Holy Spirit, by being attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading, and by being directed by the Spirit as he prayed a blessing over the Christ-child.

Let's take a look at another prophet in this story, or should I say, prophetess?

Anna: The Wonder of Worship

Read Luke 2:36-38.

Though only mentioned for three verses, we learn a great deal about Anna. Here's what we learn:

• She was a prophetess. This means she was a woman God used to speak a message. She gave out the Word of God. She was, in essence, a spokesman for God. (v. 36)
• Daughter of Phanuel from the Tribe of Asher (v. 36)
• She was a widow and advanced in years (84 years old) (v. 37)
• She stayed at the temple worshiping, praying, and fasting, night and day (v. 37)
• Came through the temple court at the exact time Jesus was there to be presented (v. 38)
• When she saw Jesus, she gave thanks to God and testified about Him (v. 38)

I did a bit of research on Anna because I really love her! I mean, for all intents and purposes, she was in Women's Ministry! We know she worshiped, prayed, and fasted in the temple, so she was a devout woman of God. I found that as a widow these things would have been typical ministries for women in her time. I don't know this, but I would imagine she probably encouraged a lot of women along the way. She was bound to have encountered women on a daily basis in her comings and goings to and from the temple.

As Anna waited in hope for the redemption of Jerusalem, she spent her days in the abiding presence of the Father. She made the most of her time. She did some very practical things as she waited - worship, prayer, and fasting.

Anna's name means "grace," which is appropriate, as her purpose in life for over 60 years (this is the length of time she spent ministering in temple after her husband died) was to pray and wait for the One who would, through grace, usher in redemption for the world. (Research on Anna is from: Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers 2003.)

God: The Wonder of His Timing

I also love God's timing in all of this! God is over time. He is the author of time and the keeper of time. And in His perfect timing He placed Simeon and Anna in the exact place they needed to be, in the exact moment they needed to be there in order to have an encounter with the long-awaited Messiah! If that doesn't fill you with wonder, awe, and amazement, I don't know what will!

Now let's take this idea of waiting and apply it to our own lives for a moment.

Waiting in Wonder

How do you respond when waiting ...

• In a long line at the grocery store when you're in a hurry?
• For test results to come back from the doctor's office?
• Through a long-term illness or some other kind of suffering?
• For a prayer to be answered?
• For a loved one to be saved?
• For the arrival of a baby?
• For a job interview?
• For that long-anticipated vacation time to arrive? 

Part of what diminishes our wonder is waiting. Because we spend much of our lives waiting, we often get more consumed by the waiting than by the One who controls that which we are waiting for - time, health, circumstances, answers to prayers, salvation, births, our welfare, and even times of fun and relaxation.

Shouldn't we make our waiting purposeful and filled with wonder? Shouldn't we spend our time waiting wisely, abiding in Jesus' presence? I'm not suggesting that many times the things we are waiting for are not difficult struggles that cause us pain, heartache, and sorrow. I know from experience what this type of waiting is like. What I am suggesting (also from personal experience) is that waiting can become a vessel that transports us into the abiding presence of God.

Here's that list again with ways to Wait in Wonder:

These suggestions are very practical and may seem odd, but I think you will find that they call you to a place of worship and ministry, just as the waiting did for Anna.

• When waiting in a long line at the grocery store when you're in a hurry ...   
• Wait in Wonder by meditating on a verse or praying for the person in front of you.
• Wait in Wonder by talking to the person in front or behind you and offering some encouragement to them.
• When waiting for test results to come back from the doctor's office ...                      
  • Wait in Wonder by doing something kind for someone else who needs to have their spirits lifted.
• When waiting through a long-term illness or some other kind of suffering ...
  •  Wait in Wonder by focusing your thoughts on Jesus in the midst of your pain.
  • Wait in Wonder by writing an encouraging note or sending a card to someone who is struggling.
• When waiting for a prayer to be answered ...
  • Wait in Wonder by calling a friend each day and praying with her over the phone about a need she has and asking her to pray for your prayer need.
•  When waiting for a loved one to be saved ...
  • Wait in wonder by going on a mission trip or praying for missionaries around the world who are being persecuted for sharing their faith.
• When waiting for the arrival of a baby or some other joyfully anticipated event ...
  • Wait in Wonder by volunteering, setting aside one hour each day to specifically pray for the joyful occasion, or by memorizing a long passage of Scripture such as Psalm 139 or 40.
• When waiting for a job interview ...
  • Wait in Wonder by displaying one random act of kindness each day.
• When waiting for that long-anticipated vacation time to arrive ...
  • Wait in Wonder by completing the current tasks you have committed to with excellence.
  • Wait in Wonder by blessing someone else with a surprise day of pampering or relaxation.

All of these "waiting in wonder" ideas move our focus from self to God and others. This helps us capture the wonder and remain in the abiding presence of Jesus.

Oh, how I have loved capturing the wonder with you during the Christmas season (and beyond!). Thank you for spending these six weeks with me. I pray that your year is filled with the joy, hope, and peace that comes only from the wonder and awe found in worshiping our wonderful Counselor, mighty God, ever-lasting Father, Prince of Peace!

Once more I'm going to ask you the same question I did on the video as we end our Wonder-Filled study together ...

Do you desire the sweet and delightful life found in Jesus' abiding presence? In the midst of all of life - the good times, the difficult times, the happy and sad times, in times filled with uncertainty and longing, in times of grief and despair, or in complete fulfillment and joy - is your desire to know and experience the sweet pleasantness of Jesus' presence and be completely Wonder-Filled? If so, my friend, I encourage you to continue capturing the wonder every day by spending "Wonder-Filled" time with Him! 

Jacqueline is the Director of Women's Ministry, Prayer & Resource Specialist at Warren Baptist Church.

Visit her blog for more encouragement.

January 6, 2014

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Once again, cozy up by the fire, grab a cup of hot cocoa, remember your beautiful tree that used to be housed in that empty-looking corner now, and let’s begin.

Read Matthew 2:1-12.

The story of the Wise Men is more than a fanciful tradition of three kings visiting the baby Jesus. This account is one filled with deep spiritual truths that can serve as a catalyst to keep us filled with awe and worship throughout our lives.

First of all, for the sake of being correct, we don’t really know how many Wise Men actually made the trip in search of the newborn king, nor do we know the exact timing of it all. What wedo know is that they did come, and when they did, they came with Wonder-Filled hearts ready for worship.

Matthew 2:1-2 - A Wonder-Filled heart anticipates Jesus.  

“For we saw his star ...” This tells me that they must have been looking for it and anticipating its coming. And they must have known that the star represented the coming of the king of the Jews.

These men were wise, indeed. They were longing for this star. They gazed at the heavens expectantly. They were looking for and anticipating Jesus.

• Do you long for a glimpse of Jesus in your daily life?
• Do you anticipate His arrival in all of your situations?

The Wise Men did anticipate His arrival ... and guess what? They found Him, and we can too! As we go about our day-to-day activities, we can and should anticipate His coming. Rather than living in doubt, fear, and negativity, we can make the wise choice and decide to look for His coming in our situation. This fills us with hope and gives us a strong basis for belief and trust in God’s good and loving provision in any situation.

Matthew 2:9-10 - A Wonder-Filled heart rejoices with Jesus.

When these Wise Men saw that the star came to rest where Jesus was, they were filled with exceeding joy! They weren’t rejoicing in the star or in the situation, they were rejoicing in Jesus and His awesome presence! They had found the King they had been searching for! They were in His presence and there was fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).

You and I don’t have to follow a star in search of Jesus. As His daughters, we have complete access to His presence daily because His Spirit dwells in us. We should go around shining like bright stars, illuminating a lost and dying world! When others are in our presence, they should sense God’s presence and as a result, they should rejoice with exceedingly great joy (not because of us, but because of Jesus’ presence alive in us!).

We aren’t joy-seekers; we are ambassadors of joy. We are likened to the star because we point others to the great joy found only in Jesus’ presence.

• Have you ever thought of yourself as a star? Do you point others to Jesus?
• Does this bring you great joy?
• How does this knowledge affect your demeanor and countenance? 
• Are you so filled with wonder that joy overflows in you? If not, why not?

Matthew 2:11a - A Wonder-Filled heart worships Jesus.

“... and they fell down and worshiped him.” I love that statement. The Wise Men had traveled so long and far. Yet when they saw Jesus, they didn’t come to Him complaining about how difficult their journey had been. They didn’t ask Him to heal their tired and aching bones. They didn’t ask for a chair or a drink or some food. They fell to their knees and worshiped Him.

• What is your response when you come to Jesus?
• He desires that we come to Him with our troubles, but shouldn’t our initial response to Him always be worship?

Matthew 2:11b-12 - A Wonder-Filled heart gives its treasures to Jesus.

“... they offered him gold and frankincense and myrrh.” The Wise Men brought Jesus treasures. Because of His righteousness, they wanted to honor Him. We too want to honor Jesus by bringing our treasures to Him. We do this by offering Him all that we have - ourselves. Romans 12:1 reminds us that we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to Him. What do you most treasure? Is it your time, your abilities, your obedience, your will, your belief, hopes, dreams? These are all “treasures” to us because they are personal and cost us something of ourselves.

• Is there some particular “treasure” the Spirit is prompting you to give?
• Will you offer it to Jesus and stand amazed in wonder as He receives your treasure and uses it for His glory?

The Magi were certainly wise in their ways. Their story offers us many truths and helps us become wise, wonder-filled women who love and worship the baby Jesus from the manger, to the cross, and for all eternity.

PS - Don’t forget your Wonder-Filled challenge this week. Remember to set aside 3-5 minutes every day to just worship. Sing a praise song, shout out words of praise and adoration, read Scripture back to God, speak the attributes or names of God aloud. Worship God each day in some way and see if it makes you wonder-filled. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised and blessed by this simple exercise of intentional worship. Have a wonder-filled week! 

Jacqueline is the Director of Women's Ministry, 

Prayer & Resource Specialist at Warren Baptist Church. 

Visit her blog for more encouragement. 

December 30, 2013

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Read Luke 2:8-15.
"Let us go over to Bethlehem ..." (verse 15). I was completely struck by that phrase. After the magnificent appearing and message from the angels, the shepherds wasted no time. They didn't question what they saw. They didn't run away, hide, or become paralyzed with fear. They simply said, "Let's go." Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us. Luke 2:15
The shepherds were eager. They had a willingness and zeal to see, know, and understand the truth of Jesus and His birth.

• Do you have an eagerness to know and understand the truths about God and His work in His Kingdom, in your life, and in the lives of those you love?

That's part of being "wonder-filled." It's having a keen desire to see, know, and understand the ways and truths of God. That means that when something new or unexpected happens in life, instead of running away, hiding, or becoming paralyzed with fear, our response is instead, "Let us go and see this thing ...." That's how we can become "wonder-filled" and stay "wonder-filled." We can look at things with eyes of hope, not fear or dread. We can rest in God's unfailing love, and we can rejoice because we trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
There's something else in verse 15 that caused me to stop and consider its meaning and implication. "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, whichthe Lord has made known to us. 
They got it! First of all, this revelation came from the Lord. The Lord (kyrios), the supreme God of the Universe, the One in complete authority, made this news known to them. They knew this revelation was important because it came from God. They knew this revelation could be trustedbecause it came from God. And they knew they mustrespond to this revelation because it came from God.

• What about you? When you receive a Word from the Lord, do you deem it as important?
• Do you trust it because of its origin?
• Do you rightly respond to it?

This verse is "filled" with a wonderful surprise (just like those pastries I mentioned earlier!). There is a magnificent truth here.
That truth is this: When we receive a revelation from God (good or bad), our response should be, "Let us go and see." We should eagerly "go forward" with joy and anticipation, expecting the Lord (kyrios) to work in and through it for His glory.

• What has been made known to you recently?
• Does it fill you with fear or dread?
• What was your response?
• Can you turn your response from fear and dread to awe and wonder?
• Can you say, "Let us go ..."?
• Can you eagerly go to God anticipating His glory in your situation?
• Can you be "wonder-filled" in the midst of the bad as well as the good?

Read Luke 2:15-18.
Verse 17 says, "They (the shepherds) made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child." That means they testified to what had been revealed to them. And what was the result? Verse 18 says, "And all who heard it wondered ...." Those who heard what the shepherds said marveled at the revelation. They were "wonder-filled" because of the shepherds' revelation about Jesus.
How remarkable! These verses are filled with a wonderful surprise as well.
The truth here is that when we testify about the revelations we have been given, our testimony creates wonder in the lives of others. Those around us begin to marvel at God, and this brings Him great glory.

Read Luke 2:19-21.
Mary, Jesus' precious mother, treasured and pondered all she saw and heard. The word for pondered in verse 19 means to come together, to consider, or to discuss. I wonder if the shepherds gave Mary further understanding of what had transpired. She was so very young. Perhaps their testimony gave her further knowledge of what the Lord had done and would do in the life of her son, Jesus.
Those shepherds were certainly used of God. They were filled with wonder, and they helped others capture the wonder as well.

• Can that be said of you?
• Do you cause others to treasure and ponder the things of God?
• Are you so "wonder-filled" that others can't help but capture the wonder just from being around you?
• Do you know someone who needs to know about Christ so they can begin their journey to becoming "wonder-filled?"

I pray you ponder these thoughts in your heart this week as we approach a new year.  We don't know what the year will be filled with. It could be bursting with wonderful surprises or packed with shocking uncertainties. But we can be filled with wonder through it all because Jesus can and will fulfill everything.
My precious friend Donna blessed me with a gift this year. It's a wall hanger that says this: 

When nothing is certain, everything is possible.

That fills me with wonder because it fills me with hope ... hope for the future and hope for a lifetime! Even in the uncertainties of life, we can marvel and say, "Let us go ...." 
Won't you go forward with God this year, filled with awe and wonder? Let us go together!
Wishing you a blessed and happy new year filled with wonder!

Jacqueline is the Director of Women's Ministry, 

Prayer & Resource Specialist at Warren Baptist Church. 

Visit her blog for more encouragement. 

December 23, 2013

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Again, cozy up by the fire, light the tree, make yourself a warm cup of hot tea, grab a Christmas cookie, your Bible and a pen, and savor a few moments of wonder today ...

Read Luke 2:1-7.

Where were Mary and Joseph living before the birth of Jesus?

Where was Jesus born?

Why were they there?

Read Micah 5:2.

Where was Jesus prophesied to be born?

Isn't God amazing? At the exact time of Jesus' birth, God arranged for a census and everyone had to go to their hometown. Coincidence? I don't think so! God planned and purposed this from the beginning, and He orchestrated every moment.

How have you seen God's sovereign hand at work in your life this past year?

Aren't you thankful He goes before you and plans your way?

One of the names of Jesus is "The Good Shepherd." Part of His character is to lead and guide His people (His flock). Take a moment to read Psalm 23. It paints a beautiful portrait of our Shepherd's love, plan, and care for us.

Read Luke 2:8-14.

I've really never thought about this much, but isn't it interesting that the shepherds received word of Jesus' birth in such an awesome way? And to all accounts, they were the first to know about it. I wonder if God chose to reveal this Good News to the shepherds because He knew His Son would be our Good Shepherd, the One who leads and guides His sheep?

I do know this: The multitude of heavenly hosts would have been a spectacular sight to the eyes and a beautiful sound to the ears. Don't you love the song they sang?

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! (Some translations say, "peace goodwill among men.")

Are you singing that song today, my friend? Glory to God in the highest! Glory to God in the highest!

Take a moment and sing this great carol. Give praise to God for His most wonder-filled gift!

Angels We Have Heard on High

Traditional French Carol, translated to English by James Chadwick, 1862

Angels we have heard on high 

Sweetly singing o'er the plains, 

And the mountains in reply  

Echoing their joyous strains.

Refrain: Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee? 

Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be 

Which inspire your heav'nly song?

Come to Bethlehem and see 

Christ Whose birth the angels sing; 

Come, adore on bended knee, 

Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

See Him in a manger laid, 

Whom the choirs of angels praise;

Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, 

While our hearts in love we raise.

  

Merry Christmas, my friend ...  

P.S. - How's your Wonder Tree? Are you thinking of all the wonders of God you can add to it?

For further reading this week, take a look back at John's birth in Luke 1:57-80. What joy and praise filled Zechariah?

Jacqueline is the Director of Women's Ministry, 

Prayer & Resource Specialist at Warren Baptist Church. 

Visit her blog for more encouragement. 

December 16, 2013

 

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After watching the video, continue your study of Mary this week here. I have broken the study up into short segments or moments so you can do a little at a time. You can work from this email, or you can print a copy by clicking here.

Wonder-FILLED Moment 1 - Mary's Surprise

So do you have your cup of tea, a Christmas cookie, Bible, and pen? Is there a warm fire in the fireplace, and is your tree on? If so, let's begin ...

Read Luke 1:26-38.

Describe what happened in your own words. (Think of the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions in these verses.)

  

  

What types of questions did Mary ask the angel, Gabriel, after he gave her the news that she was to bear a son from God?

When something or someone takes you by surprise, what types of questions do you ask (either out loud or to yourself)?

What is your response to things that take you by surprise, startle, or scare you?

What was Mary's response to this Good News?

Back up to verses 36-37. What words of encouragement does Gabriel give Mary?

Isn't that just like God? In the midst of shocking news, life-changing news, God encourages Mary by reminding her of who she's dealing with - an Almighty, All-powerful, Awesome God! When Gabriel says, "for nothing will be impossible with God," and tells her Elizabeth's news, I would imagine that gave Mary a little extra strength and hope as she accepted this Gabriel's message.

How have you seen God encourage or remind you in the midst of unexpected news?

What has your response been in the past to such encouragement? What will it be in the future?

Wonder-FILLED Moment 2 - Now Mary Must Tell Joseph

Turn to Matthew 1:18-25 and read this account.

Again, God provided assurance. This time it was through a dream. Joseph believed and supported Mary through this time. Did you notice that? Joseph believed! He took God at His Word and trusted Him. Even though it meant he would be talked about and judged, he chose to move forward in belief.

Pause for a moment and pray. Praise God for His holiness, power, grace, and faithfulness. Thank Him for His provisions, His loving care, and mercy. Ask Him to help you take Him at His Word without question. Ask Him to fill you with wonder today as you remember who He is. Write your prayer here or in a prayer journal.

Wonder-FILLED Moment 3 - Rejoicing at Elizabeth's House

Read Luke 1:39-45.

If I had to describe this setting with one word, that word would be JOY! Elizabeth was filled with joy, the baby John in her womb leapt with joy, and Mary was filled with joy. Look at her response. Continue reading Luke 1:46-56.

Mary rejoices in God her Savior. Look at the descriptive language she uses in this canticle of praise.

Her soul magnifies the Lord

Her spirit rejoices in God

Why ...

He is mighty

He has done great things

Holy is His name

His mercy is for those who fear His name

He has shown strength

He has scattered the proud

He has brought down the mighty

He has exalted the humble

He has filled the hungry

He has helped His servant Israel

He remembered what He spoke to His servant Abraham and is fulfilling His promise

This hymn of adoration is a wonderful template for us to draw from as we offer praise to God. Mary was, indeed, wonder-filled and she proclaimed her wonder with shouts of praise! I can just imagine her twirling around in Elizabeth's garden singing this song to the Lord.

When have you offered a song of praise like this to God? Will you do it now? Find a place and dance before the Lord with shouts of praise. Jesus is born! Jesus redeemed us through His blood! Jesus lives! Jesus makes intercession between us and the Father! Jesus is King! Jesus reigns! Praise His name!

  

 Merry Christmas, my friend ...  

• Create a  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  Wonder Tree. 

   

  You can write things that fill you with wonder on these blank printable paper ornaments to help you capture the wonder all year.Click here to download and print. 

Jacqueline is the Director of Women's Ministry, Prayer & Resource Specialist at Warren Baptist Church. Visit her blog for more encouragement. 

December 9, 2013

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So are you all cozied up with your hot chocolate, cookie, Bible, and pen? Let's begin!

We'll start by defining "wonder."

Wonder defined:

Noun - a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar or in explicable, awe, admiration, wonderment, fascination.

Verb - to desire or be curious to know something, ponder, think about, meditate on, reflect on, muse, feel admiration or amazement, marvel.

In looking at the characters of Christmas, it occurred to me that in order to be "wonder-filled," they first had to be emptied of some "not-so-wonderful things" ... and so do we.

Pull back the curtain and let's take a look. Enter Zechariah (and his loving wife, Elizabeth) ...

Read Luke 1:5-12.

Write what you learn about Zechariah and Elizabeth from these verses.

From verse 12 what was Zechariah filled with?

Read Luke 1:13.

The angel said, "Do not ________________!

The Voice translation puts it this way, " Calm down! Don't be afraid!"

Wonder #1: A Wonder-FILLED person rids herself of fear and replaces it with faith.

Do you need to hear that message today? Calm down! Don't rush about trying to buy, cook, clean, and make the season merry and bright! Calm down, relax, and enjoy this! Don't be afraid! 

The word for fear in that verse is phobeō, which is translated, "to put to flight, to scare away, to terrify, to be seized with alarm."

Aren't we so often seized with alarm during this season? Another transliteration of this word is to be struck with awe or amazement. Isn't that a better way to be all the time? Struck with awe and amazement for our incredible God - Wonder-filled!

In her book, The Women of Christmas, Liz Curtis Higgs says regarding this verse,

I need these words embroidered on a pillow framed on my wall, scribbled across my mouse pad - anywhere I might see them - to remind me that God is in charge, God can be trusted and God does everything out of love. Fear not, Calm down. Why do we fear the worst from God when He loves us completely and always gives us what is best?

So the angel said, "Do not fear for your _________________has been heard."

His prayer had been heard? What prayer? The prayer for a baby, of course! Zechariah and Elizabeth were childless and the desire of their heart was to have a child. Specifically, a boy child because a boy was of particular blessing and honor in those days.  

As I thought about verse 13, I realized that one way we can be "wonder-filled" is to rid ourselves of fear and replace it with prayer! We can humbly, in awe of who God is, go before Him and ask for His help rather than be frozen with fear. We can draw near to God knowing that He will draw near to us (James 4:8). Being near to God is an anchor for the soul (Hebrews 6:19-20), a weapon in battle (Eph. 6:18), a shelter in the storm, and a stream in the desert (Isaiah 32:1-2).

Wonder #2 - A Wonder-FILLED person is a Prayer-FILLED person.

Read Luke 1:14-17.

What else would Zechariah be filled with as a result of this son?

He would be wonder-filled with joy and gladness. Babies tend to do that, don't they? They make everything new special. They are marvelous creatures. They make us wide-eyed with excitement and dreary-eyed from lack of sleep, but they make us full of wonder!

Why would this baby boy fill those who would know him with suchjoy and gladness? Verses verses 15-17 give an account of what baby John will do.

List what he would do below.

Wonder #3 - A Wonder-FILLED person is filled with joy and gladness because of who God is and what He has done.

Among the many wonderful things God would accomplish through this baby, the best is found at the end of verse 17, which says, "to make ready for the Lord a people prepared." This baby would ultimately prepare the way for the coming Messiah. What an honor! What a blessing! And all a result of the favor and faithfulness of God.

That reminds me ... not only was Zechariah's fear going to be replaced with joy and gladness, but all along they had been Wonder-FILLED with the favor and faithfulness of Almighty God. Who, by the way, had this all planned out from the beginning. Zechariah and Elizabeth were not late in conceiving at all; they were exactly on time - God's time!

Wonder # 4 - A Wonder-FILLED person recognizes and remembers the favor and faithfulness of God.

Points to ponder:

• What has brought you fear this year?
• Are you tired of praying for the same thing, seemingly with no results?
• Do you feel forgotten or left out, angered or frustrated, because God hasn't answered you?
• Do you struggle with maintaining joy and gladness because of circumstances?
• Do you think you've lost God's favor?
• Are you remembering God's faithfulness? If not, stop now and fill your mind with wonder as you reflect on what you've seen God do in the past, on who He is and will always be!

Continue praying, beloved! Don't stop. Look for the favor and faithfulness of God. Anticipate it with awe and wonder. Come to God in prayer with excitement to just be in His presence. Jesus'presence is where you find joy and gladness. Replace your fear with wonder for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

But wait ... there's more to this story and we'll continue with it next week. If you'd like to go deeper and do a little studying each day to recapture the wonder, click here for thoughts and verses to fill your heart, mind, and spirit.

One more question ... Who will you share the wonder with this week? Tell a friend or neighbor what you've learned. Share the wonder!

Merry Christmas, my friend ...