By Claudia Mair Burney

The fourth Wednesday of Advent

Elizabeth was once a barren woman, but her hope had just been born. Her miracle child John, whose name means, “God is gracious,” was evidence of God’s lavish, faithful love, and the joy of his birth, at long last, touched everyone around her. But John was not just proof that God loved Elizabeth. He bears witness to God’s extraordinary love for the whole world. For you!

“Prepare the way of the Lord!” he still cries in our hearts. This means God hasn’t given up on us. Redemption, salvation, forgiveness, and new life are possible; they are right upon us. Love is coming; he is what we’ve been waiting for, and he makes our waiting in such exquisite anticipation possible. Our prayer is simple this day before Christmas Eve: