Worldwide Christmas December 13, 2025 Devotional

LUKE 3:10-14 | ¹⁰ And the crowds asked him, “What, then, should we do?” ¹¹ In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise.” ¹² Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” ¹³ He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” ¹⁴ Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”

Each of the gospel writers adds something important to our picture of John. In all of them people respond to John's preaching by being baptized. But only Luke reports folks asking for further instructions. "What then should we do?" they ask. John points to the practical side of repentance: good deeds. Not only do good acts validate the reality of our inner changes, they make great sense from the              standpoint of behavioral psychology. Concentrating on refraining from bad habits is notoriously hard. Substituting good ones gives us positive feedback and reinforces our moral resolve. Positive acts crowd out negative ones.

Some of John's advice about good deeds is general—if you can share your clothes and food, then do so. When was the last time you shared or gave away something?

Some of John's advice is specific and connected with individual vocations. Tax collectors must be honest and soldiers must avoid abusing their power for individual gain. What might John advise you in your current job?

Gracious God,

Help us beat bad habits by creating new practices, so doing good will lead to being good.

Amen.