Mary, a young virgin, was engaged to Joseph. God chose her to be the mother of the Lord Jesus. When Gabriel came to her she was frightened at first, listened to his message and then was humble and honored. In those days being pregnant without marriage was a great disgrace but Mary was willing to obey.When the angel told her of Elisabeth’s pregnancy, Mary, went to stay with her. Elisabeth confirmed what the angel had told her because the baby leaped in her womb.
If you have not read and thought about the people in the unfolding Christmas story it would be good to read it again. We learn much about obedience and love of God as we realize that every person was human and had the same emotions, fears, joys and problems we do. Mary is a great example to us and she surely was blessed among women.
Luke 1:30-31 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.
Archive for December, 2016
Mary, Mother of Jesus
December 10, 2016Elizabeth
December 9, 2016Elizabeth was well beyond child bearing age but God gave her a child in answer to many years of sadness and grief because she was barren. He used miracle baby, John, to be the forerunner of Jesus.Elizabeth and her husband had dearly longed for a child. They had prayed for one and the culture of the day had demanded they needed one. Yet no child came.
The miracle told to Zachariah by the Angel happened and the pregnant Elizabeth hid herself for 5 months.
Luke 1:7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
Zacharias
December 8, 2016Zacharias, husband of Elisabeth, was a righteous and blameless person was childless! Zachariah was also a priest. One day as he was serving in the temple the angel Gabriel appeared to him and announced that his wife would have a child.
Although Zacharias was moved by the awesome presence of the angel, he could not accept that his aged wife could still give birth because she was beyond child bearing age. In order to stop him confessing his unbelief he was unable to speak and remained speechless until the day that the baby should be given a name.
The custom was to name the baby after his father but Zacharias asked for a tablet and wrote, his name is John as instructed by the angel. Then he was able to speak.
Luke 1:63-64 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
Gabriel, Angel Sent From God
December 7, 2016Luke 1:19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
Luke 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
Only two angels are mentioned by name in the New Testament. Gabriel and Michael. Gabriel was an archangel who was a messenger sent by God to deliver news to Zacariah and then later to Mary. Gabriel is also mentioned in the book of Daniel in the Old Testament. Angels had an important role in the birth of the Lord Jesus. Their presence brought fear into the hearts of the people they appeared to according to scripture.
We tend to forget that people like Zacariah, Mary and Joseph were just ordinary people that God used in extraordinary circumstances. If Gabriel appeared to us today we too would be afraid. As Christians we can look forward to the time when we will see angels in Heaven. What a wonderful future we have and there will be no fear, only wonder and beauty as we behold Heaven and meet Jesus face to face.
Keep Christ in Christmas
December 6, 2016
Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Billy Graham Christmas Quote
December 5, 2016“An angel announced His conception and gave Him His name. The heavenly host sang a glorious anthem at His birth. By the extraordinary star, the very heavens indicated His coming.In Himself He was the most illustrious child ever born-the holy child of Mary, the Devine Son of God.” Billy Graham
Mathew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Church, Full or Empty
December 4, 2016The church is decorated for Christmas, wreaths, garlands, lights, beautiful flowers. The choir is prepared, the Pastor has his message ready and the congregation comes to worship.There are two times a year when the churches are full, Christmas and Easter. Both times are to celebrate the coming of Jesus. Christmas to celebrate His birth and Easter to celebrate his coming out of the grave and victory over death.
Are you a two times a year church goer? If that is the only time you worship Jesus, you may miss His second coming when He will meet born again Christians in the air.Then the churches that preach the gospel should be empty. Think about going to church and it is almost empty. No Pastor, no choir, only a few people who missed the true message of Jesus birth. God sent His Son as a gift that we might be saved. Do not be left to go to an empty church. Accept God’s gift of salvation today, then go to church and celebrate Jesus’ birth and you can truly worship from your heart.
Galatians 4:4-7 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Child’s Gift
December 3, 2016In the next few weeks there will be Christmas programs in churches and schools (of course to be politically correct in schools they will be called holiday programs).Songs will be happy and you may even hear a Carol or two. Looking back in memory there was one program that stands out in my mind and I have seen and even directed many of these programs.This only one that I remember clearly is when my son, who was about 3 years old, recited this little poem:
“I’m not very big or very tall you see, but to the dear Lord Jesus I give all of me.”
From the mouth of a child, that is what our gift to the Lord should be. Our heart, mind and body should be dedicated to Him this Christmas. We scurry around finding the perfect gift for each friend or loved one and many times forget the One whose birthday we are celebrating. So this season enjoy all festivities but put Jesus first. He desires our worship, love and devotion.
Luke 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas
December 2, 2016“Happy Holidays” is what you hear when shopping this year. Store cashiers and employees are trained not to say “Merry Christmas.” We must not offend anyone. What a shame. Just one more way the enemy has used to take Christ out of Christmas.
As Christians our response should be “Merry Christmas”. There would be no Holy day without Jesus. Let us honor our Lord every chance we get. Keep Christ in Christmas by your words but more importantly keep Him first in your heart. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
1 Peter 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
(Note that many of this years Christmas blogs are repeated from prior years but still to good to not repeat)
Jesus Birth Brings Light to the World
December 1, 2016Christmas lights are so beautiful. Darkness falls and even the most barren property, the scrawniest tree, the ugly streets become a sparkling sight to see. Some people spend a lot of money for the lights of Christmas. Others may only have a little string of lights or a few candles. The mall and shops are full of glowing lights. There are people who refuse to light their home or have a tree.However a person may feel about decorating for Chrismas they still enjoy the sight of what others have done.
Jesus is the light of the world. His light shines in the hearts of people who believe in Him and have trusted Him as their Savior. Others receive the benefits He brings into the world. He blesses the just and the unjust.This season when you enjoy the decorations and especially the lights think about Jesus and the light He brings to your life.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Center for Evangelists 
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