Many people stood for hours surrounding Buckingham Palace, while news crews streamed a live feed outside the hospital. When a town crier finally announced the arrival of the newest member of the royal family, Prince George, the people went wild – and kept their vigil, hoping for just a glimpse of the royal family. The birth announcement quickly made world headlines. Everybody celebrated the tiny would-be king.

You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

Luke 1:14

Today’s verse also talks about rejoicing at the birth of a child – but this one wasn’t the king. This passage refers to the one who was to “prepare a way” for the King – John the Baptist (Isaiah 40:3). While Prince George is not the king, he still has an important role in the royal family. John the Baptist wasn’t the Messiah, but his mother was told “he will be great before the Lord…and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 1:15)

You may not be the one in the limelight, but you do have an important role for God. Ask the Lord to give you joy in preparing the way for others to know Him. Then pray for your nation’s leaders to do the will of God.

Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 28:1-14