The Angels of Jesus’
Birth
The angel Gabriel’s second
appearance takes place This time the angel goes to the village of
Nazareth to share God’s message to a young woman named Mary. Mary was chosen to
be the one who would give birth to the promised Messiah. She was both confused
and yet submissive. She was ready to do what God asked, but questioned how it
was going to take place. She was betrothed to Joseph and did not want to break
her promises. The angel assured Mary that the child would be the result of the
miraculous intervention of the Spirit. The angel also told her that the baby
was to be named “Jesus” meaning “the Lord is salvation” which defined both His
character as the Son of God and His mission as Redeemer. Mary said yes. But
this was not all Gabriel had to do. The angel then went to Joseph and shared
the same message. The child she was to carry would be from God and so Joseph
could take her to be his wife in full confidence of her promises.
Why are these announcements from
the angel Gabriel so important to the story of Christ’s birth? Mary and Joseph
received the news that they would be the ones who would parent the Son of God.
Mary’s connection with their son would be very closely regarded and for Joseph,
to have the Son of God raised in his home was a privilege. They had such strong
faith. But they also knew that his life’s purpose was not in the carpentry
shop, but doing the working of God and saving others. The Messiah would be
living with them in his formative years and so they needed to do their best as
they faithfully serve God.
The angel told Mary and Joseph
separately what God’s plan and how it involved them directly. What if Mary said
no? Joseph would not have been knowing. But she said yes and so began the waiting
time for the baby. Like expectant parents they wanted certain things for him
but they did not know that they needed to travel north at this point. They were getting used to each other and now
with the baby, Mary and Joseph were needing to learn great skills very quickly.
The angel’s messages to Mary and
Joseph were filled with joy and wonder and they were afraid of what was to come
but because God had sent the angel they knew that tbey were supported by God in
more than one way. How often do we receive
signs and messages of God’s love and support for us?
As we anticipate Christmas are
we looking for the signs and messages of God’s love? Are we stuck on social media
and wondering where God is? God has never left us but we must acknowledge this.
Mary and Joseph were supported and cared for throughout Mary’s pregnancy and
when it came time to deliver it was no surprise that the baby was born in a
humble setting. When rushing around and preparing for Christmas celebrations
take the time to remember Gabriel’s message “Fear not, you have found favour
with God.”
Because of their faith, God
called Mary and Joseph to a special task. Be strong in your faith- God still
calls people—and you have nothing to fear!
PRAYER
God we thank you
for calling Mary and Joseph to take on the special task of bearing and raising
Jesus. Out of love we too are prepared to serve you in many ways. Enable this
to occur as we wait with expectant harts, the coming of Jesus. Bless us we
pray. Amen.
Inspired by Bill
Crowder, “Windows on Christmas: Biblical Perspectives on the Birth of Jesus”
Our Daily Bred Ministries, 2019
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