On behalf of His Majesty

 

The Christmas story repeats itself every year. From generation to generation.  Is this story known to everyone why people celebrate the birth of Jesus? Is this time just pleasure, commerce and vacation? We go way back to this event. The town of Nazareth became known all over the world. Maria lived there. You read and hear about her. She was a devout believer, obedient and spiritually minded.

1. The unexpected visit

The angel Gabriel came from heaven. A sent from God. He delivered the message to Mary.

And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”

But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And 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 bear a son, and you shall call his name 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 father David,. Luke 1:28-32 (ESV)

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered 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 called holy—the Son of God. Luke 1:34-35 (ESV)

Maria learns a secret. The angel Gabriel said:

And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. Luke 1:36 (ESV)

God has promised her and whatever he says happens! This strengthened Mary's faith.

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38 (ESV)


2. Mary visits Elizabeth

Maria decided to visit Elisabeth as quickly as possible. A small town in the mountains of Judea. She entered the house Zechariah greeted Elizabeth. Then something surprising, never seen before. When Elisabeth heard the voice of Mara, the child within her moved and, filled with the Holy Spirit, she cried: “God has blessed you, more than all other women, you and your child!” How did I deserve this, that the mother of mine Lord comes to me! When I heard your voice, the child in me jumped for joy. How happy you can be because you have believed! What God has announced to you will happen.


3. Mary's canticle

Filled with joy, Mary began to praise God. I praise the Lord with all my heart. I am happy in God, my Savior. He has called me, who am lowly and insignificant, to greatness. I will be called happy at all times, for God, who is mighty and holy, has done great things for me! Mercy remains forever and ever, it is for all people who honor him.


4. Summary

The angel Gabriel to Mary: God has chosen you for something special. God is with you! These words apply today to everyone who belongs to Jesus.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you  John 15:16 (ESV)

The Holy Spirit and the power of God brought about the incarnation of Jesus. Even today the impossible is possible. The Holy Spirit causes sinners to become children of God. A new creation. Mary's willingness to make herself available says: I want to make myself completely available to the Lord. We too can make ourselves available to the Lord and say yes, Lord, I am ready.

When Mary was with Elizabeth, she received a prophetic word: God has blessed you and your child. How happy you can be because you believed. This bliss can still be experienced today. We have God's Word that speaks to us and blesses us.

Mary's praise was filled with joy: I praise the Lord with all my heart. I am happy for my savior! God has done great things for me. He who is mighty and holy! Let's join in. Great is our God.

Author: Edith Waechter
Images: https://pixabay.com/de/