Little could those shepherds abiding in the field have imagined that they would see Jesus, let alone be the first to witness God’s promise fulfilled. Like a pre-Christendom world, the world before Jesus’ death and resurrection, many have heard about Jesus, but perhaps don’t really know Jesus. A recent poll showed that over 53% of Americans have little Bible knowledge. When Jesus is seen in our lives, (homes, church, community, world) it makes an impact on others. In this season of Advent, as we once again anticipate the Word becoming flesh so He is seen among us, what insight and encouragement can we give to let Jesus be seen in our words and actions? That’s the challenge for us as we work together to proclaim the Gospel.

May these Advent Devotions be a blessing to you.
Living Billboards!

3  And everyone went to their own town to register.
4  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  5  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  Luke 2: 3-5
 
 
I often marvel at how the Lord often spoke through the very lives of the prophets. Really, not just through their words or preaching, but their lives gave testimony and witness. Just consider Jeremiah, the “weeping prophet” who said, I remember the bitterness and the gall, I well remember them and my soul is downcast within me (Lamentations 3). Or how about Hosea whose wife continued to wander off, prostitute herself and be unfaithful. Yet Hosea did not reject her or abandon her. He pursued her, redeemed her, cleaned her up and brought her back home. Likewise, our Lord does not abandon us in our unfaithfulness, but pursues and redeems us.
 
I marvel at these faithful servants of God because it’s like their lives were a walking billboard. As I pondered how God can use our lives as a living witness, I’m drawn to our reading from Luke 2.  And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to Bethlehem….with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  Talk about a walking billboard! Talk about “being seen”! 
 
In full sight for everyone, even before the birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary were giving witness through their very lives. They were, in a sense, “Letting Jesus be seen.” 
 
Yes, they knew that the Lord had confirmed this was His will and doing, but they also knew that they would be the talk of the town and the subject of gossip. However, in faith, trusting the Word and promises of the Lord Himself, they went forward and lived their lives in such a way that Jesus, the One who would “save His people”, would be seen.
 
Today I pray that my life might be lived in such a way that through not only my words, but through my very life, the Lord might speak. Whether it’s walking in my neighborhood, shopping at Publix, standing by my car at the gas station, serving at a local non-profit agency or whatever I do…my life might be a walking billboard so that Jesus might be seen. During this Advent Christmas season, may you rejoice in God’s redeeming work for you…and empowered by the Spirit, may you live in such a way that your life too be a walking billboard and witness that Jesus be seen by all.
 
 
Rev. James H. Rockey, Pastor
Amazing Grace Lutheran, Oxford/The Villages, FL
3 rd Vice President, FL-GA District