December 9, 2024 - The Birth of Jesus Foretold

The Birth of Jesus Foretold 

Monday, December 9, 2024

by Betty Coates

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Key Verse:

"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

Many years ago and even today one could not have imagined a messenger coming to one who is a virgin and betrothed to marry with a message such as this one in the above scripture.  Can one imagine a messenger saying the following:  You child is such a gender, he already has a name, he will rule over a kingdom, and will be filled with the Holy Spirit?

Mary was perplexed even though the messenger assured her not to be afraid and that she was highly favored by the Lord.  Mary asked the angel how that could be as she was a virgin.  She would surely be shunned by Joseph and others.  

The Annunciation, 1898 Canvas - Henry Ossawa Tanner

The angel said she would receive the Holy Spirit and be overcome by the power of the Most High.  Then he told her of a relative, Elizabeth, who was of old age and barren, and was also with child.  He said, "For nothing is impossible with God."

Mary's response was, "I am the Lord's servant.  May it be to me as you have said."  

Mary was obedient and she trusted the Lord.

We are called to be servants of the Lord to trust and obey.  We too have a name as God's children, can receive the Holy Spirit and inherit a Kingdom.  

May it be to us as He has said during this Advent Season.

The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came Down

The angel Gabriel from heaven came,

his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;

"All hail," said he to meek and lowly Mary,

"most highly favored maiden." Gloria!

"I come from heav'n to tell the Lord's decree:

a blessed virgin mother you shall be.

Your Son shall be Immanuel, by seers foretold,

most highly favored maiden." Gloria!

Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head;

"To me be as it pleases God," she said.

"My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name."

Most highly favored maiden, Gloria!

Of her, Immanuel, the Christ, was born

In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,

and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say,

"Most highly favored maiden." Gloria!

Source: Christian Worship: Hymnal #328

A Breath Prayer.

May your word

Be fulfilled in me