Merry Christmas! - Part 1/3

When is the last time you read the expanded story of Jesus birth? If you haven’t lately, take a few minutes to do that by starting with Luke 1 and going through to Luke 2. As I read the stories of Gabriel’s conversations with Zechariah and Mary in Luke 1, I contemplated the apparent emotions of Gabriel.

With Zechariah, Gabriel at first seemed to be gracious and excited about relaying the message of John’s impending birth. Gabriel says, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John.” Luke 1:13 Gabriel then relays the rest of the message.

When Zechariah doubted what Gabriel said, watch how Gabriel’s emotion change. “Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!  But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” Whoa! He said what?! Don’t mess with Gabriel!! He’s bold, direct, decisive and turns into an angel with much authority and strength. My favorite line is when he said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God.” In other words, DO NOT DOUBT ME! In the end, Zechariah believed.

Now check out how Gabriel speaks to Mary. “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!…Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God!” Luke 1:28-30 Then he proceeds to tell her the rest of the message. Notice how respectful he is, and he used the word favor twice. Mary did question how it would happen, but did not doubt. Gabriel politely answered her and reassured her that God’s word never fails. “Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38

Zechariah and Mary really had little understanding of what was happening to them, but Gabriel did. Can you imagine the honor he must have felt to relay such important messages. I love his bold confidence against unbelief. We should learn a lesson from him. Also, what joy he must have felt when Mary said yes. One day, it will be fun to hear from Gabriel himself his perspective of the story of Jesus’ birth.

Whether you have the bold confidence of Gabriel, the growing belief of Zechariah, or the child like faith of Mary, may you experience the love of Christ’s birth this Christmas season, so that you will be blessed and be a blessing In Jesus Name!