Advent Devotional by Larry Kuhlman

Luke 3:1-6

“The word of God came to John in the wilderness.” (Luke 3: 2)

Amish people ring a bell to spread the news of an important event. My uncle and aunt’s car lights arriving on our road before dawn Christmas morning signaled the upcoming time to open gifts. The birth of Christ revealed God’s plan of salvation that Luke 3:6 predicts will be to all people. The Word became flesh and dwelt among men.

The appearance of Christmas decorations and the sounds of holiday music are signs of Christmas in our home. Television advertisements signal that Santa is soon to appear with his reindeer and load of gifts.

Our twins were born on Sunday morning. The good news spread rapidly! When I walked into the sanctuary the next Sunday, I got my own standing ovation. Who had told them? When our first grandchild, Hudson, was born, his father reported, “Dad, he’s just perfect!” I will never forget this good news.

My question is: how did John get “The word of the Lord?” Who told him or what sign did he follow? Luke sets the political scene (Tiberius Caesar and Pontius Pilate). He also sets the religious scene with Caiaphas and Annas—even Zechariah. However, he does not site how or who brought John God’s word in the wilderness. We do not know.

Perhaps you or I cannot give credit to any one person or type of communication that brought us to God. Maybe the Word came through a church event or a Sunday School class, a church camp, or a Christian that we dated. Interesting it is that Luke nor John the Baptist revealed the source of their faith. Being honest, neither can you and I pinpoint everyone and every technique or experience that has brought us to “the Word of the Lord.” However, I am especially glad, at Christmas, that the Word came!

Larry Kuhlman