Thursday, December 8, 2016

THE ANNOUNCEMENT

In Luke 1:26, 27, 30, 31, we read: “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary...Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.’”


“How would you like to have an announcement from the angel Gabriel, Cing?” Grandfather placed his glasses on his Bible, waited for her answer. Her eyes grow large, her mouth shape an O.

“I wouldn’t believe him...but how does an angel look? Like the pictures with wings and stuff?”

“Not al all. Angels are God’s warriors. They’re big and strong and powerful.”

“Oh, then I’d probably faint.” Grandfather chuckled.

“Good answer.” He thought for a minute. “But The Lord God had a plan. And His plans are always for His glory and our good.” Cing tilted her head.

"The Lord sent the announcement. Mary heard the angel Gabriel call her by name, speak kindly to her. Later, when questioned and, no doubt, criticized, she could remember the voice of Gabriel who represented God. One of God’s gifts to her.”

“We want our family and friends to like us. But they didn’t believe Mary, did they?” Grandfather shook his head. Thinking lines formed on Cing's forehead. “Could she tell them about the angel?”

“Probably not. But Joseph and her cousin, Elizabeth, knew and understood.” In the quiet of the moment, Grandfather added, “But you know what?” Cing shook her head. “The Lord God trusted Mary with this Plan and she accepted it by saying, ‘Let it be to me according to your word.’”

Mary had a pure heart or she wouldn’t have been chosen for the Plan. Never would the world be the same after the birth of the Messiah. From this point in history, man would have to choose.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus was born in a stable, raised in an ordinary village, taught the trade of carpenter. He came to offer salvation to all--no matter the circumstances of birth. He announces to us through His Word that He loves us with an everlasting love and He will never leave nor forsake us. His announcement includes you. Won’t you come to Him?