Author: Rob Collins

Day 25- Glory to God In The Highest and On Earth Peace, Goodwill Toward Mankind 

Luke chapter two verse seven finalizes the reality of this miraculous conception and the divine birth of Jesus. It says, “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for Him in the Inn.”

I will conclude in just a minute by looking at the shepherds living out in the field keeping watch over their flock and the angel appearing to them and the angelic host singing, “Glory to God in the Highest.” But for now I want to focus on the ending words of verse seven of Luke chapter two. Here they are: “There was no room for Him.” 

We have been on quite a journey leading up this twenty fifth day, nonetheless, my question to you is how can you make room for Him now? We prepare for the holiday season of Christmas. We buy food, host parties, send cards, we decorate our homes and we buy presents and wrap them, but do we make room for Jesus in our homes, our hearts, and in our busy lives? 

Jesus came so that we would know Him and so that He could live in our hearts. His desire is to have a relationship with you. I don’t know where you are in your journey, but I want you to know that He came for you. He is Emmanuel—God with us! I don’t know what this means for you, or what this looks like for you, but I encourage you to make room for Him in your life—He is a gift that has been given—to be received.

Now back to the story. The Angel of the Lord appeared to Mary, Joseph, Zacharias and now the shepherds. God was getting His message of this divine birth out to those who would receive it, and to those who would have probably been the most least likely candidates. You see, He has a way of using the most ordinary people and the most common things in order to accomplish the most extraordinary and divine manifestations.

Now the angel is appearing to the shepherds and says, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12 NKJV)

Then Luke tells us that there was a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” And when the angel had gone they said, “Let us go see what the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.

Take Away: The shepherds made known what they had seen, but Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. However, God had done what He had promised—He became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory full of grace and truth. The silence that had lasted for around five-hundred years was now broken with the sound of the angels and heavenly host singing, “Glory to God in the Highest”—as they sang praise to almighty God for what He had done. He came to save us! His name shall be called Jesus for He will save His people from their sin. He is Emanuel God with us—Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and goodwill toward mankind—Merry Christmas!!!

Day 24- The Birth of Jesus

Luke chapter two is the announcement of Christ’s birth and verses one through seven are probably the most popular text that is used when reading the story of Christ’s miraculous and divine birth. 

Nevertheless, Luke starts out his story of Jesus birth by meticulously establishing and explaining the historical context that surrounds the birth of Christ, relating it to the events in the Roman Empire.

Caesar Augustus was emperor of Rome from 30 B.C. Until A.D. 14 and Quirinius was the governor of Syria 10–7 B.C. and later served a second term during A.D. 6–9. This was the political backdrop and the picture that Luke was trying to capture in these verses.

Caesar was emperor and Quirinius was governor and there was a census taking place that was for the purpose of taxation. However, there was also a prophetic undertone that was being played out as well in these verses.

Luke tells us that Joseph went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem. Notice that Luke mentions again the fact that David and the city of David are indeed prophetically and divinely connected with the birth of Jesus. 

This was prophesied some four-hundred years ago and now it’s about to take place. And to start it off, Joseph was going back to his hometown to be registered with Mary his betrothed wife, who was with child. 

And so it was, that while they were there the days were completed for her to be delivered. Nevertheless, before we go on, I want you to see the timing of God in all of this. I also want you to see the circumstances of uncertainty and the events of inconvenience that took place in these stories that surrounds the birth of Jesus. However, I also want you to understand that the hand of God was in it all.

As I mentioned, inconvenience and uncertainty is seen throughout these stories. For example, with Zacharias and Elizabeth, their prayers were unanswered for years and Zacharias couldn’t speak for nine months. And what about Mary and Joseph? They had experienced first hand, the frustration and tension of trusting one another in regard to this miraculous conception. 

And, there’s no doubt that they encountered some humiliation and embarrassment that came from the speculation and disbelief surrounding her pregnancy. There would have also been assumptions and doubts for everyone involved—including themselves.

And now to top is all off, Mary was pregnant and had to travel by donkey back to Bethlehem. The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was approximately seventy miles. Therefore, it could have taken them around four days to make this journey. Remember, Mary is nine months pregnant and was inevitably now riding on the back of a donkey.

And, in spite of all these less than desirable circumstances that surrounded them—they were obedient and faithful and God’s plan was fulfilled through them. Zacharias and Elizabeth and Mary and Joseph were obedient, steadfast, and faithful. And through them, God fulfilled His divine plan of bringing humankind a way back to Himself through Jesus—by grace through faith. For unto us a Child was born.

Take Away: God’s timing was seen through it all and the sequence of events that follow are not an accident or coincidence: The timing of John being born at the same time as Jesus was born. Mary being betrothed to Joseph and Joseph being from Bethlehem where it prophesied that Jesus would be born. The decree for a census at the same time that Mary would deliver the promised child—who would be, the Savior of the world. 

God’s timing was impeccable! It was divinely guiding every twist, turn and sequence of these stories. And, if He did it for them—He will do it for you! He sees every detail of your life and he cares about you. I want to know today, that like the great Charles Spurgeon once said, “When you can’t trace the hand of God, you can trust His heart.” 

When it comes to the timing of God—you can trust His heart! He sees you, He knows you, and He is working all things for your good. And talk about the timing of God! Mary and Joseph were safely in Bethlehem for the census and the time had now come for her to deliver and Mary wrapped Jesus in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for Him in the Inn.

Day 23- The Birth of John

Luke continues his story with the birth of John, his circumcision, and him being named. He picks up in verse fifty-seven of chapter one by saying that Elizabeth’s full term had come for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. He ends by saying that when her neighbors and relatives heard the news, they acknowledged that God had been merciful to Elizabeth and they rejoiced with her. God had answered Zacharias and Elizabeth’s prayer. John was born, and eight days later he would be named and ceremonially circumcised.

The Bible says, “And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed” (Genesis 17:12). So, on the eighth day Zacharias and Elizabeth came to circumcise their child. The ceremonial circumcision would also be where the child would be named. Luke tells us that his name would have been the same as his father, but Elizabeth answered and said, “No! His name shall be called, John.” Just as Gabriel how informed Zacharias when he visited him in the Temple.

Luke continues in verse sixty one of chapter one: But they answered and said, “There is no one among your relatives that is called by this name.” Luke doesn’t say who “they” are, but I’m assuming it would be relatives there for the ceremony and also the priests that were performing the service. It’s interesting how everyone has an opinion, isn’t it? Nonetheless, Zacharias and Elizabeth didn’t allow the people’s opinions to outweigh what they knew God had spoken to them, and we shouldn’t either. God’s word to us should always outweigh the opinion of others. Anyway, “they” didn’t stop there, they got tablets and wrote a note to Zacharias—asking him what the baby’s name was going to be, and he said, “John.” And they all marveled at the fact that he and Elizabeth had said the exact same name.

Immediately after all of this happened, Zacharias mouth opened, his tongue was loosed, and he could speak. It was just as the angel Gabriel had promised. When Zacharias began to speak, fear came upon them and it was talked about throughout the region where they lived. Word spread fast throughout the region and the people were astounded at all that was taking place. Luke tells us that they knew in their hearts that God was up to something and that this child (John) would be special in helping fulfill God’s plan and promise. 

Take Away: Then Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Praise to the Lord God of Israel. He has come to help his people and has given them freedom. He has given us a powerful Savior from the family of his servant David. This is what he promised through his holy prophets long ago. He will save us from our enemies and from the power of all those who hate us. God said he would show mercy to our fathers, and he remembered his holy agreement. This was the promise he made to our father Abraham, a promise to free us from the power of our enemies, so that we could serve him without fear in a way that is holy and right for as long as we live. Now you, little boy, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go first before the Lord to prepare the way for him. You will make his people understand that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven. With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will shine on us. It will bring light to those who live in darkness, in the fear of death. It will guide us into the way that brings peace.” And so the little boy John grew up and became stronger in spirit. Then he lived in areas away from other people until the time when he came out to tell God’s message to the people of Israel. (Luke 1:68-80)

Day 22- Mary’s Song

After Elizabeth finishes talking to Mary, Mary speaks up and gives a prophetic proclamation of praise that is known today as Mary’s song. When you truly have a divine encounter with Jesus, the appropriate thing to do is to reflect, sing, proclaim and worship. Here’s the song (taken from I Samuel 2:1-10):

“Then Mary said, “I praise the Lord with all my heart. I am very happy because God is my Savior. I am not important, but he has shown his care for me, his lowly servant. From now until the end of time, people will remember how much God blessed me. Yes, the Powerful One has done great things for me. His name is very holy. He reached out his arm and showed his power. He scattered those who are proud and think great things about themselves. He brought down rulers from their thrones and raised up the humble people. He filled the hungry with good things, but he sent the rich away with nothing. God has helped Israel—the people he chose to serve him. He did not forget his promise to give us his mercy. He has done what he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”” Luke 1:46-55

Take Away: Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, which meant it was about time for John to be born.

Day 21- Mary Visits Elizabeth 

Mary arose and went in haste into the hill  country, to a city of Judah. She entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary that the baby leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

I love this passage of Luke’s narrative that follows the dialogue between Mary and Gabriel. After the Angel of the Lord departed Mary’s company, Luke simply states that Mary got up quickly and headed for Zacharias and Elizabeth’s house. 

I love the way that Luke captures this moment. Mary knocks on the door and as she is greeting, I’m assuming Zacharias, Elizabeth hears her voice and is filled with the Holy Spirit. This proves that what is in Mary’s belly is of God, born of His spirit. And, it also confirms the prophecy that John will be filled with the Holy Ghost in his mother’s womb.

Luke now records, Then (after she is filled with the Holy Spirit) Elizabeth cries out with a loud voice and says, “Blessed are you (Mary) among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” She then recognizes Mary as the mother of her Lord and ponders why should would receive such an honorable visit.

Elizabeth continues, “For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb!” Elizabeth knew that God was up to something and that this visit was different. You see, Mary and Elizabeth were relatives, and it wouldn’t have been uncommon for a family member to visit another family member. However, I believe Elizabeth recognized that this was a divine encounter, not a typical occurrence of a regular family gathering or visit. Especially with her being filled with the Holy Spirit and the baby (John) leaping in her belly!

Take Away: Elizabeth continues her dialogue with Mary. She says, “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told to her from the Lord.” She was saying to Mary, great blessings are in store, because you obeyed the Lord! The angels have spoken and now Mary and Elizabeth are in the same house, in the same room, with the promises of Jesus and John in their bellies.