-December 11, 2023-
Good morning beloved, happy Monday,
“He will great, and will be called the Son of the highest; and the Lord will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
(Luke 1:33-34).
God sent the angel Gabriel on a special mission to speak to both Mary and Joseph. There are only three angels mentioned in the Bible, Gabriel, Michael, and Lucifer, who fell and became the devil. Gabriel was a special angel. He was sent to Daniel, Zacharias, Mary, and Joseph. It was a great privilege, yet a great responsibility as well.
When describing something to others, we tend to either embellish the facts making them appear better than they really are or we underestimate or downplay their significance. Many stick to just the facts and eliminate the emotion altogether. It is best to adhere to the proven facts, yet not lose sight of the emotions and feelings involved. A good reporter captures the facts but also describes the emotions and repercussions for those involved.
Angels can take human form to speak to human beings on behalf of the Lord. Gabriel introduced himself to Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist in Luke 1:19, “And the angel Gabriel answered and said to him, ‘I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you these glad tidings.’”
The glad tidings, or as it can be translated good news, is amazing. What he told Mary as recorded in Scripture is nothing less than marvelous, magnificent, and miraculous: “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”(Luke 1:28); “You will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:32); “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:33).
Just imagine this young virgin’s amazement at all these words. It seemed way more than she could take in. She asked Gabriel, “How can these things be, since I do not know a man” (Luke 1:34)? After explaining it as best he could to a mortal, that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Highest would overshadow her, He said, “For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37). After all that, she willingly said in Luke 1:38, “…Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be done to me according to your word…”
Now it is up to us to spread these glad tidings to friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, fellow students, or whomever we come into contact with. Our mission is so important this Christmas and every day of our lives. Not everyone will believe, not everyone will receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. Only God can prepare and save a soul. The results are in His hands.
Have a blessed day and Christmas season telling the greatest story ever told, the true meaning of Christmas. Stay safe and healthy.
Jesus is the reason for the season, just as every season gives a reason that Christ is risen,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 