Worldwide Christmas December 7, 2025 Devotional

MARK 1:4-6 | ⁴ so John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁵ And the whole Judean region and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him and were baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins. ⁶ Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

John the Baptist was an outsider. He had no official position and no official training. He had not been appointed by the established leadership. He had no place to do his preaching and no constituency to lend him support. He was also bad at politics and way too direct in his discourse. His resume read: social skills— minimal. Yet the crowds flocked to him and even the leaders paid attention, traveling way out into the wilderness to hear him preach.

John had one great advantage. He was in touch with reality and he named it.

What things strike you as odd about John?

Have you ever met anyone with an unerring feel for the truth or an unstinting way of expressing it?

Gracious God,

Grant us the courage to speak necessary truths with love. Put us in touch with reality.

Amen.