This post is “Christmas – Day 7”, if you haven’t already read Day 1, please click here.
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Christmas – Day 7

Luke 1:26-28

Six months after Elizabeth had become pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee. The angel went to a virgin promised in marriage to a descendant of David named Joseph. The virgin’s name was Mary. When the angel entered her home, he greeted her and said, “You are favored by the Lord! The Lord is with you.”

The Thought

Luke 1:26-28 Six months after Elizabeth had become pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee. The angel went to a virgin promised in marriage to a descendant of David named Joseph. The forerunner to the Christmas story is here at the beginning of Luke’s gospel.

The forerunner to the Christmas story is here at the beginning of Luke’s gospel before the genealogy. Luke’s intention is to set the scene in a different way to that of Matthew who wrote mainly for the jewish community. Luke tells of the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, which was also considered a miracle because his parents were aged and childless. John’s ministry was to prepare the way for Jesus. He was also the fulfilment of the last verse in the Old Testament where Micah quotes God “See I will send you the prophet Elijah…”. In Matthew 11 Jesus talks about John the Baptist and confirms that he was the “Elijah who was to come” Matthew 11:14.

Earlier in this chapter we can see how Zechariah, John’s father doubted what the angel said to him. “How can this be?” was his question. He knew he was old!

Mary asked the same question to the angel who appeared to her (Luke 1:34). She knew she was a virgin.

When God has a purpose, He makes things happen.

Action

Praise Him that He has a purpose for your life, and if necessary He will send a personal messenger to help you on the way.

Don’t ever think that you are too old, like Zechariah or too young and inexperienced like Mary.

Pray that you will recognise God’s messengers whether angels or people. Thank Him for those who have guided you well in your life so far.