“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins…” (Luke 1:76-77).

I wasn’t raised in a Christian family, but my mom felt it was good for me to go to church. There was a volunteer from our local church who picked up kids for Sunday School each week in a clunky old van.  My Sunday School teacher, Ms. Betty, taught me that I was loved and accepted by God. However, in order to go to Heaven, I had to tell God about the wrong things I had done and ask his forgiveness. She taught me that I could pray and tell Jesus that I wanted Him to be in charge of my life. That’s the day I became a Christian. My mom later told me that she saw a difference in me from that point on. She eventually even started attending church herself.  I’m so thankful for Ms. Betty and many other people that God sent after her to help me learn how to have the peace with God that Romans 5:1 talks about. Because if no one had told me how Jesus could totally transform my life, I would not be writing this devotional right now. 

Luke tells us how the Holy Spirit prophesied through Zacharias after John the Baptist was born. His prophecy revealed that John was chosen by God to point people to Jesus, the Messiah. This prophecy was fulfilled in Matthew 3: 1-3. God made sure that everyone would have the opportunity to hear the message of salvation. He wanted everyone to experience that same peace that I did many years ago.

Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas, and forgiveness of sins is the reason for His coming. If you’ve been saved, you have a reason for great joy and celebration. David shares in Psalm 51:12, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”  Salvation brings both joy and peace because once we are saved, nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39). Also, when the Holy Spirit resides in you, He promises joy and peace. They are fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).  

Remembering my salvation experience fills me with so much joy that I just want to praise and thank God for what He has done. 

If you are a Christian and want to experience joy this Christmas season, spend some time thinking about how God saved you. Who told you how to become a Christian? Were there others that discipled you? Just thinking about how God saved you not only brings a deep feeling of gratitude, but also a fountain of joy and peace. Then, as John the Baptist did, spread the good news to everyone you know.