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In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:26-38)
I like comparing passages with different versions of the Bible. I prefer usually the New Revised Standard, though in college and seminary I used the Revised Standard Version, but like the New International Version, and the paraphrased The Message Bible. Interesting how the title for today's devotional is from verse 37, which above reads "For nothing will be impossible with God." The Message's version is the title, "Nothing, you see, is impossible with God, and NIV has it as "No word from God will ever fail." Powerful any way you look at it, better said, God is powerful, and can do anything He wants. And this applies to the Christmas story. It is a story that others might have framed with more "believable" stuff. God chooses an old couple to bear John the Baptist, and a young woman of 12-14 years old to be the mother of Jesus. And she, unwed, a virgin, but betrothed to a carpenter, Joseph. The realm of Heaven was involved, for God sends the angel that stands in His presence, Gabriel, to share announcements with Zechariah and with Mary. Zach doesn't believe it and he's struck mute until the event happened; Mary does believe but asks how this would be, all through the Holy Spirit. To me, this is all a miraculous event; God working through the impossible to make possible His will and love show. And it's been the same thing in my life and yours. I've stopped counting the wonderful, unexplainable things that have blessed my life; it's more fun to just enjoy them as I've said, "Thank You, Lord!"
The world may not completely see the holy behind the hustle and bustle, but some do. The late Rev. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, pastor of Marble Collegiate Church and noted author, was standing on a busy New York City street at this time of year several years ago, and the thought came to him, "All of this because of the birth of a little baby far away." I ventured, with my family, this past Saturday to North Star Mall in San Antonio, and there are few words to describe the mess; parking, crowds, lines, lack of seating space at eateries, et al. Yes, all because of a little baby born so long ago in a far away place. And all because of the power of a loving God.
Take a deep breath and be thankful. You may not have yet finished your shopping; your cards may not be going out on time, and the list may be endless of things to do, but know this; God is in the mix and God is the reason for the "How" that Mary asked. And all the "How's" you may have, if you turn them over to God, you will be blessed.
PRAYER: Awesome God, great is Your Name and Your power among all people. Work that which needs Your attention in me, and let me never forget the reason for this season. You acted on our behalf and sent Your Only Begotten Son, Jesus our Lord and Savior to deliver us to an abundant life. Let me be a part of that blessing to the whole world; I pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be the peace of Christmas for someone today!
Eradio Valverde
