The time came when the prophecy of a Savior was unfolding. God’s only son was going to be born. God sent an angel to Nazareth to proclaim to Mary that she was the chosen one to bear God’s only son. Mary was troubled by the message because she was a virgin. “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”(Luke 1:34) The angel assured Mary that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the Holy One that was to come will be called the Son of God. Mary accepted God’s will for her life. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38)
One can imagine the emotions Mary was feeling. After all, she was going to give birth to the Savior of the world. Oh, what joy and anxious moments that must have overwhelmed Mary and Joseph! What was God’s purpose for sending His son into the world? What was God’s purpose in choosing Mary to the Mother of this Holy infant?
We find God’s purpose in Matthew 1: 21-23, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and they will call him Emmanuel – which means God with us.”
In His adolescent years Jesus grew wise. Luke 2:40 says, “The child grew and became strong, He was filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon him.” When Jesus and His parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover, His parents learned just how wise He was. As the people were traveling home, they noticed that Jesus wasn’t with them, so they headed back to look for him. He was found sitting among the teachers, who were amazed at His understanding of the word of God. Luke 2: 52 says: “ Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and with favour with God and men.”
As an adult the time came for Jesus to fulfill God’s purpose that was set before him. He traveled many towns and villages preaching the good news. Many people came to hear Jesus and to be healed of their diseases. (Luke 6:18) He performed many miracles; Jesus enabled the lame to walk and to the many who suffered from terrible diseases, He gave healing and new hope again. The good news spread rapidly and many placed their faith in Him.
The Good News of Christmas is what many people looked forward to upon hearing of the virgin birth. (Luke 2:38) It is a joyous occasion that the angels and the shepherds exclaimed. And it is for all people. (Luke 2:10)
Thoughts:
How would you feel if God had Chosen you to be the parent of His son?
How do you think the people of Nazareth reacted to the news of the birth of baby Jesus?
Do you think that it is more difficult to share the Good news of Jesus Birth considering the pressures in our society today?
Copyright Jan Keats
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What an awesome thought - too overwhelming for my sinful, less than perfect soul (being the parent of the Saviour!) I love to declare the name of Jesus, although it does tend to make people wiggle and squirm a little sometimes. But we need to be able to step up to the plate, considering the sad emphasis that is placed on commercialism at this time of the year. I have often wondered why people celebrate Christmas if they don't believe in the birth of Christ. Great thinking and fodder for consideration, Jan.
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