Greetings on this 13th day of December. My son Matthew was born on this day, 22 years ago! He was the last baby born at Smithtown General Hospital. Just a bit of trivia for you.

Listen to these verses, " Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David. "{ Luke 1:68-69} These are the words of Zacharias, the Father of John the Baptist, as he was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied concerning his son. I wonder if Zacharias had any idea that people in 2016 would remember what he had to say before Jesus was even born? I'm pretty sure he had no idea that he was making history. His son, was to be the forerunner of the Savior who was to come.

One never knows what a day will bring! Zacharias and Elizabeth had no hope of conceiving at their stage in life. They were of the older generation, with no children to boast of. Perhaps they spent their days with nieces and nephews helping them raise their young. To have a child at this stage, Wow, now that is a change of direction! A miracle, a destiny, a plan of God!

Elizabeth must have wondered why God has waited so long, that it became a miracle, not an everyday occurrence, but John the Baptist was no ordinary child. His life was truly set apart. His life's purpose was to" proclaim the way of the Lord." I believe that he knew His destiny, and was faithful to fulfill it. As parents in this world today, we often don't see the plan ahead for our children.

God sometimes reveals a piece here or there, but God sees the whole complete picture for all lives. We want to "proclaim the way of the Lord" as John did, and be faithful to complete what He gives us. Trusting Him, is the big piece of the picture, and the fruit of it we may not know until heaven. Trust Him, because He alone is able to complete it! Hallelujah, Amen.