Are you in a season of waiting? Many of us are right now. Waiting in shopping lines, waiting for the next holiday, waiting for a job change, the new year. Whatever it may be, you’re in anticipation. Zachariah and Elizabeth can relate to this feeling!

Jeremiah prophesied (or shared something that was happening in the future) about the coming of the Messiah. This prophecy was spoken some six hundred years before the birth of Jesus Christ.

But, it’s important to know who this prophecy was given to and the history behind why it was given. The Babylonian army was surrounding the city of Jerusalem, the destruction of the city and its temple was imminent.

The dark days of December can be challenging. Over 14 hours a day is consumed with darkness. It’s no wonder that December – February are ranked highest for those being diagnosed with depression. Of course there is scientific evidence behind all of this and the vitamin deficiencies that come with the lack of sunlight. Science or not, most of us “feel” the impact of the dark days.

Merry Christmas! Today’s scripture is taken from the Message Bible. I love the opening sentence, “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.” Jesus literally moved into the neighborhood.