Messages

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.

Day 20- How Can This Be

Mary’s response to the Angel of the Lord was similar to Zacharias’s response in regard to Elizabeth’s pregnancy for John. He said, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And Mary said, “How can this be, since I don’t know a man?” 

In other words, she was wondering how this conception could happen, since she was a virgin.  And Zacharias was wondering how their conception could happen since he and Elizabeth were both old in age, and past their child bearing years.

Now there are many ideas surrounding these two stories and there similar responses from Zacharias and Mary. Many believe that Zacharias asked in doubt and disbelief, while Mary asked in awe and reverence. However, they both asked a question and they both gave a reason for their individual scenarios not being able to happen. 

Regardless of what you believe or don’t believe, their responses were similar in this regard—they both asked a question and both of their questions included the reasons why they had asked the question in the first place. Zacharias said, we are old and Mary said, I’ve never been with a man! These are the reasons that they couldn’t see it happening—Elizabeth was old and Mary was a virgin.

Nevertheless, the angel of the Lord goes on tell Mary how the miraculous conception would happen. Gabriel tells Mary that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Highest would overshadow her, and what would be conceived in her would be called the Son of God. 

Jesus would be the son of man and He would also be the Son of God. He would be one-hundred percent man, but He would also be one-hundred percent God. He would be born in and through the flesh, but He would also be born from and of the Spirit. 

Gabriel goes on to tell Mary about her relative Elizabeth’s pregnancy. He says that she has conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren to be pregnant. Gabriel was letting Mary know that Elizabeth was pregnant in her old age, but he was also building her faith in regard to her miraculous conception. And the very next verse says, “For with God nothing will be impossible.”

He was saying that Elizabeth was old and called “barren”, but now she has been pregnant for six months. And although Luke didn’t write it down quite like this—I believe that Gabriel was saying, “If God can God can awaken the womb of an aged woman, then the Holy Spirit can give you, Mary, a miraculous and divine conception.”

It was all God, and it was His providential promises that were aligning these two conceptions to take place now, at the same time. One was a divine intervention by the hand of God for Elizabeth, and one was a miraculous conception from the Holy Spirit coming upon Mary, and the power of the Almighty overshadowing her. And now, John and Jesus would be born in the same proximity of time to reveal God to us.

Take Away: Mary couldn’t see in the natural world, what God was doing in the supernatural realm. Both Zacharias and Mary couldn’t comprehend what was going to happen supernaturally, so they spoke about what was obvious. Isn’t it amazing how we speak the obvious when we don’t know what else to say. Zacharias and Mary both spoke the obvious. Zacharias said, “We are old and beyond child bearing years.” Mary said, “I have never been with a man.” 

We speak what we know to be true, and they did too. However, God wants us to simply believe Him—so that He can do the impossible! What must we believe? That God is, and that with Him all things are possible! Mary said, “Let it be to me according to Your Word.” And the angel departed from her. Even so, Mary’s surrendering obedience unwrapped untold possibilities for generations to come.

Day 19- Christ’s Birth Announced to Mary

Mary was the first one to know. That’s right, after four hundred years of silence, the prophecy of the Lord from His prophets is now coming true. The Messiah will be born. Heaven agrees upon the moment and now the Word will become flesh and dwell among us and we will behold His glory full of grace and truth. The Angel of the Lord revealed this to Mary before anyone else on earth would know. The young virgin is visited by Gabriel in a city of Galilee named Nazareth.

Luke tells us that it had been about six months since the angel Gabriel had visited Elizabeth. Now he is paying a visit to her cousin, a young virgin girl named Mary. The virgin Mary is betrothed to Joseph who is of the house of David. There it is and Luke is including it too. The house and lineage of David. Luke, as well as Matthew wants his readers to know beyond a shadow of doubt that Jesus is the Messiah and that this lineage is all connected back to lineage and house of David.

Verse twenty-eight of Luke chapter one tells us, “And having come in the angel (Gabriel) said to her, ‘Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!’” So it appears the angel came in to where Mary was. It’s interesting how God always meets us where we are, isn’t it? However, Mary is troubled and confused about this greeting. Could you imagine a young girl minding her own business and a big angel from heaven shows up and tells her to rejoice because she is highly favored of the Lord among all women. Wow! 

He goes on to tell her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Notice that he calls her by name. Without saying it, he is letting her know that he knew who she was and that God knew who she was as well. Aren’t you thankful that God knows us by name. Anyway, all of heaven had been talking about this moment and now Gabriel is letting Mary know as well. Jesus the messiah will be conceived in the womb of Mary and she will deliver heaven’s gift to the world.

Gabriel continues the conversation with Mary by telling her that she is going to conceive in her womb and bring forth a Son, and His name shall be called, Jesus. He was named before the conception. He continues by saying, “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God 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.” The proclamation that Gabriel is declaring about Jesus being the heir of His father David’s throne and about His reign being eternal is without a doubt, identifying Him (Jesus) as the Messiah.

Take Away: “And His name shall be called, Jesus.” The name Jesus is equivalent to the Hebrew name, Joshua. Matthew says, “His name shall be called Jesus, for He will save His people from their sin. Joshua was a shadow type of a deliverer and Jesus would become the ultimate deliverer of mankind. Mary was visited by Gabriel and given the news that she was going to deliver our savior and deliverer.

Day 18- Words Are Powerful and Waiting Is Hard

We have spent a lot of time on Zacharias and Elizabeth and the announcement of John’s birth. However, I feel like that this is an important story in the events surrounding the birth of Christ and in its own way, it is also supernaturally divine as well. In verse twenty of Luke chapter one, the angel Gabriel continues to dialogue with Zacharias, telling him that he will be mute until the day that he names John. And now in this same verse, he tells him why.

Gabriel says, “You will be mute until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” So Zacharias came out the temple of the Lord after finishing his work and he was mute. Since he had finished his services to the Lord, he simply went home. However, I want you to notice that Gabriel says that these things would all be fulfilled in their own time. Everything takes time, but no one likes to wait. Nevertheless, there is a spiritual principle and process which involves: seed, time and harvest. 

The seed is planted, but there has to be a process in which we wait. Waiting is the “time” element of this process. We usually have to wait before we see the evidence or enjoy the benefit of the promised results. Zacharias and Elizabeth had prayed and believed God—but then they waited. And they waited and they waited! But now, Elizabeth is going to be pregnant by the miraculous grace of God allowing her womb to be awakened. And, the angel Gabriel has delivered the word of promise—however, they will now wait again! And by the way, waiting typically doesn’t feel very spiritual and it usually doesn’t appear to be very supernatural.

Nevertheless, after all of this had happened Elizabeth conceived and hid for five months and Zacharias and Elizabeth are not really mentioned again in Luke’s story until Mary visits Elizabeth and then for Zacharias, it’s when John is born and he names him. That’s pretty much their story, but what’s interesting in this part of the story, is the fact that Zacharias is made to be mute until everything is fulfilled and John is born and then Zacharias is the one who speaks up and names him. Why?

Take Away: Here’s the scenario: Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” The angel answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.” (Luke 1:18-20)

Here’s my question: If God can make a woman whose womb is past child bearing age bring forth life, and then send the Angel Gabriel to deliver the good news—why can’t He overcome some negative words and a little unbelief? Did God make Zacharias mute so he wouldn’t speak out and hinder what He was trying to do? I don’t know, but it’s interesting that when he spoke in disbelief, Gabriel said that he would be mute until John was born.

Although I don’t know the exact reason for Zacharias being mute until John’s birth, I do know that the Bible tells us that the power of life and death are in the tongue. Words are powerful and they give the spirit realm something to come into agreement with. Your words matter because what you say is being heard by someone. Your words matter because once you speak them they cannot be taken back. Your words matter because they can cast doubt on a situation that requires faith. Your words matter because they can cause discouragement where hope is needed. 

Was Zacharias made mute because he spoke in disbelief. I’m not sure, but it does however appear to be so. Nevertheless, may we believe God and speak in faith and may we choose our words wisely as we wait and watch the plan of God unfold in our lives.