24 Dec Spiritual Pregnancy (Lk 1:67) by Dr. Rich Reich
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion(FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
“Then Zechariah his father, filled with the holy Spirit, prophesied, saying…” ~ Lk 1:67 (full readings)
Rich’s Reflections: To give birth, a mother must be pregnant for approximately nine months. In today’s Gospel, Zechariah finally obeyed the Lord after nine months of being deaf and dumb. At the end of his spiritual gestation period, Zechariah gave birth to a prophecy that has echoed throughout the ages: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people.” (Lk 1:68) To give birth this Christmas, a Christian must be filled with Jesus during Advent (i.e., pregnant with the Holy Spirit). Spiritual and physical pregnancy requires patience (endurance during adversity), discipline (self control), and sacrifice (service before self). Being Pro-Life, we want to be fruitful, so we have prepared ourselves during Advent to receive Jesus. Are you prepared this Christmas to bring forth life? Tomorrow is birth day, Jesus’ birthday. Lord, I have reached the full term of Advent pregnancy. Help me to deliver Your Word made flesh. Amen.
* Dr. Rich Reich is the co-founder of the LIFE Group Devotions and the National LIFE Runners Team. He is married to Erica and lives in Satellite Beach, FL. Full bio.
Faith Challenge: You have spiritually prepared for the coming of Jesus during your Advent Pregnancy. Do not miss the opportunity to give birth to His Word made flesh this Christmas.
Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel.
Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
Feast Day: St. Adele
Faith Quote: “Christmas has lost its meaning for us because we have lost the spirit of expectancy. We cannot prepare for an observance. We must prepare for an experience.” ~ Handel Brown
Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22