This is a question for MOTHERS, but FATHERS, you may have thoughts on this too. Do you remember the promise God gave you when you gave birth to your first child?
I think I have told this story many a time. After losing my third child, there was a time I thought of giving up. But it was while in hospital, still grieving and unable to sleep, I had a visit from my Mother and Jesus - from Heaven. They held in their arms my babies: Jonathon and Emma. I had always blamed my Mum for leaving me when she died, and now I was asking Jesus - Why did you let me lose my babies? His answer: "You just need you to WAIT. Your mother and I will care for Jonathon and Emily, but in time, you will have another son to care for."
It took time, yes, but Jesus' promise came true. Some of you may know my son, Aaron Joel. I was probably never the best parent, but Jesus answered my question: "In time, you will have your son to hold in your arms, to care for."
Both Matthew and Luke tell us of Jesus conception and birth. I have enjoyed reading both these Gospels, but when it comes to the Christmas Story, I have to say Luke's Gospel is my favourite. Both Luke and Matthew shared a great love for the JESUS and they wanted to tell the truth of His conception and birth.
"The virgin will be pregnant. She will give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel, which means "God with us". " Matthew 1:23 (NCV)
"Do not be afraid Mary; God has shown you grace. Listen! You will become pregnant and give birth to a son; and you shall name Him Jesus." Luke 1:30 & 31 (NCV)
1. A PROMISE TO ZECHARIAH AND ELIZABETH (Luke 1:5-24)
"Zechariah and Elizabeth were both righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands and decrees blamelessly." Luke 1:6 (NIV)
Both Elizabeth and Zechariah were both inspired others as they "walked blamelessly" and lived their lives serving and following God.
One day Zechariah was serving as priest in the Temple when an angel of the Lord came to him. Gabriel, the angel, told him that his wife Elizabeth would give birth to a son, John. Zechariah and Elizabeth were very old, and although he trusted God, his faith was "put to the test". John was to fulfil God's plan - like the great prophet Elijah. John was to be "great in the sight of the Lord," and would have the Holy Spirit, bringing back the people of Israel to repentance, preparing then for the coming of their Messiah.
"Zechariah asked the angel: "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."
"Then the angel said to him: "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you this GOOD NEWS. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not BELIEVE MY WORDS, which will come TRUE at their appointed time." Luke 1:19&20 (NIV)
After his service in the Temple, Zechariah went out to the people who were waiting outside for him, but was unable to speak. He returned to his wife Elizabeth.
What a great promise this would have been for Elizabeth and Zechariah. Something, they had been seeking and waiting for - a baby boy. He would indeed be a blessing to them. WHAT A PROMISE!
My son Aaron was indeed a blessing to my husband and I and now a father himself, and with his wife, and serving the Lord.
1. A PROMISE TO MARY and JOSEPH. (Luke 1:26-38); (Matthew 1:18-25)
"In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin, pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendent of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said: "Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you!" Luke 1:26-28 (NIV)
Like her cousin Elizabeth, Mary had found favour with God. Like Zechariah, she was a little troubled and afraid. She had a few questions when the angel told her of Jesus's conception: "How will this be, since I am a virgin."
"The angel answered: "Mary, the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God." Luke 1:35
The angel reminded Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was pregnant, and had been promised a son, even though she was old. But unlike Zechariah, Mary accepted her PROMISE from the angel.
"I am the Lord's servant", Mary answered. May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her." Luke 1:38 (NIV)
Imagine how Joseph would have felt when Mary gave him the news. He would have wanted to be faithful to his future wife, but he also wanted to obey God and the Ten Commandments. The angel visited him in a dream, and it was here he received his promise, that he could do both.
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the Name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:20&21 (NIV)
When Joseph woke up from his dream, he did as the angel told him. He went and told Mary they would still be married, and he knew they were following God's will.
"The Holy Bible - New Century Version", 2008, Thomas Nelson
"The Holy Bible - New International Version", 2011, Biblica
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