Takeaways

“I guess I don’t understand what Christmas is really about.”  – Charlie Brown

Gabriel does, and when he visits Mary, there are things he knows.  He’s been part of God’s story, is aware of conversations God has had with Abraham, David, and others, and has seen God cast Satan out of heaven.

During this particular assignment to a particular place and family, Gabriel conveys three critical points:

1.  A baby will be born – Jesus will born as a baby, uniquely related to David and God.  His incarnation is part of a complete plan God has ordained.

2. His name will be Jesus – which means the Lord saves.  Names were vitally important in those days, and this is no exception.

3.  He will reign, and His kingdom will have no end – that means He reigns NOW.

An overarching truth to Gabriel’s pronouncement to Mary is that NOTHING is impossible with God. No word that He says cannot come to pass.

What does recognizing all this mean for us?

We can have confidence and CAN genuinely understand what Christmas is all about.  No matter what we go through in life, no matter what our world is going through – we have a God who has a plan, who has provided a way of salvation, and who reigns forevermore! Merry Christmas to us!

🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃

Reflection Prompters

1.  Which of the three truths spoken to Mary resonate the most with you in your season of life?

2. Have you ever thought about what Gabriel had seen and knew going into this new assignment? 

3. Put yourself in Mary’s place.  What questions would you have if Gabriel brought this message to you?

4. Spend some time rejoicing over the confidence you can have in God the Father, Son, and Spirit.

5. Let the Holy Spirit lead you into some truths to write out, meditate on, and pray over.  What is He telling you about 

His incarnation?

His salvation?

His sovereign reign?

What else?