Jesus Is Here!

Have you ever stopped to wonder which Christmas song Saint John the Baptist might like the most? (Me neither, until writing this devotion.) After ruling out a few, I came to the conclusion that one of his favorites must be “Go Tell It on the Mountain”–can’t you just hear him now?

Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born!

I imagine John’s deep voice belting out the proclamation of what he testified with the entirety of his life: Jesus is here! This is He!

In today’s Gospel we read, "A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him" (John 1:6-7). What a powerful witness for us, sisters.

Like John the Baptist each of us is sent by the Lord. Each of us is called to proclaim the Good News of Christmas: the Word made flesh has come to dwell among us (cf. John 1:14). Now is the time to celebrate the miracle of the Incarnation of Our Lord—Emmanuel. God with us.

In this Christmas season, let us lift our voices with Saint John the Baptist, for indeed, Jesus Christ is born! Yes, may the wonder of Christmas inspire each of us to "sing a new song to the Lord "(Psalm 98:1). For there is no other voice quite like yours, sister; no voice God desires to hear more than yours, His beloved daughter.

Let us pray for the courage and grace to use our voices for His glory, ever announcing the peace and Good News of Christ’s birth. May our lives be a song leading others to the One who is truest, purest, most brilliant Light.

In this Christmas season, let us lift our voices with Saint John the Baptist, for indeed, Jesus Christ is born!Click to tweet

Watch this Midnight Mass Procession "Transeamus usque Bethlehem" at Saint Agnes Church in Minnesota with the full choir and orchestra. Jesus has arrived!

Elise Howe is a wife, mother, vocal artist, teacher, and writer. A lover of authentic beauty, Elise is most joyful when creating with the inspiration of the Divine Artist. A born-and-raised Midwestern gal, she happily resides in Michigan after several years "living the dream" in New York City. Elise has a heart for ministry, dark chocolate (but not too dark) and coffee with a generous amount of cream + sugar. Find out more about her here.