One of the most beautiful chapters in the Bible when it comes to Jesus’s birth comes from Luke, chapter 1. This is when Mary had an angelic visitation, like her husband did in Matthew, chapter 1. It was the angel Gabriel that gave them both the most wonderful news of the Messiah coming into the world through Mary, who was a virgin. These verses begin with, “and in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.” (Luke 1:26-29) Mary was chosen because she worthy to be the mother of God on earth. This is seen by the way she lived her life for the Lord, our God. Praise God that she was ready to bear Emmanuel, which is God with us.
I can just imagine how surprised Mary would have been to see a glorious angel such as Gabriel. Angels were known to bring peace or death, and it was normal to be fearful. Therefore, Gabriel had to tell her to not fear. It was then that Mary understood that a blessing was coming from God. And what Gabriel said must have truly changed her life. He said, “and the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” (Luke 1:30-34) Jesus would come forth as the Son of God. He would be great and be given the throne of David. The Lord would reign over the house of Jacob, and his kingdom is eternal. All this happened and much more. Praise God.
The angel Gabriel also explained to Mary how it would be possible for God to come into the world, especially since she was a virgin. Because the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one God, but in three persons, which we know as the Trinity, the Father and the Holy Spirit were involved in the pregnancy. It is written, “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:35-38) Nothing is impossible for God. Praise the Lord that Mary accepted this role of God’s mother with honor. Remember Jesus and His birth during Christmas. He is the reason for the season. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I come to You in praise and adoration. To remember Your birth when the world is thinking about Santa, reindeer, the north pole, and gifts is the least I can do. Even this day do I bring to You spiritual gifts. I offer You my might, my heart, my mind, and my soul. I worship You, my King. I love You, God, with not only my lips but how I live for You daily. You are the lamp of which I follow. I do not follow men, which could lead me astray, but by Your mighty hand alone. Your mercy endures forever, and I am so grateful that it is for me. I have done such wicked things before coming to know You, and I am so thankful for Your forgiveness in my life. I am in awe at Your patience towards me when I have fallen short and done things I know I shouldn’t have. Still, You come and pick me back up again and place me on Your path that leads to heaven. My flesh is weak, but Your strength continues to lift me up each time I fall. I love You, Lord. It is my prayer that You lead me this hour and forevermore. I am Your child and worship You, my King. Amen.
