Luke 1:26–38, 46–48, 54–55

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

FOR CHRISTMAS
Luke 1:26–38, 46–48, 54–55

Announcement (26–33)
Christmas is for many of us one of the most joyous times of year. We often get to spend time with family and loved ones and give and receive gifts. But most of all, we celebrate the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

God sent the Angel Gabriel to Nazareth to a virgin, Mary, engaged to Joseph, a descendent of David. The arrival of Gabriel obviously shocked her as it would have shocked any of us. Angels are not happy, little cherubs with wings.
Angels are God’s servants, who obey His every command and are endowed with tremendous power to accomplish the task. In 2 Kings 19, the angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night. The Bible relates many encounters with angels, and in most of them, the recipient of the visit falls flat on his or her face. Surely Mary was scared as we see Gabriel tells her not to be afraid. In this case, however, the angel brought good news about the Savior of the world. This gift of God, Jesus, is the reason for the Christmas celebrations. It just seems that in our society, often the “reason for the season” is missed amid the hustle and bustle. It is important for Christians not to let the world forget that the reason for Christmas is Christ, the Savior of the world. We need to take the time to remind those around us and find opportunities to be a witness for Christ.

Question (34–37)
Mary naturally questioned the angel’s message since it would indeed take a miracle for her to have a child as a virgin. What is impossible for man, however, is possible for God. But just as Mary questioned the miracle that needed to be manifested in her life, there are many today who question the miracle of salvation. Many people do not understand why Christ had to come, let alone the need to be forgiven of sin.

It is the task of Christians to explain this miracle or, if need be, point to those who can explain. Christmas is an opportune time to bring friends to Christmas services, to Christmas concerts or caroling. Each of these events can bear testimony to Christ. (For example, the lyrics to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” explain the purpose of the Incarnation.)

Acceptance (38)
Mary responded to the angel with belief and agreed to be a vessel for God to use. When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are likewise allowing God to use us in any way He sees fit. Being a Christian is not just going to church or being baptized. Being a Christian involves a radical life change. We turn from living for ourselves to living for God. This may entail a change of job, a change of lifestyle or a change of location. For example, God may call us to serve Him in the remotest places on earth. But God may decide to keep us where we are with the same job, same friends and same lifestyle although with a different focus.

Anyone who comes to believe that Jesus is the promised Messiah, who was born in a lowly manger in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, needs to put godly principles ahead of earthly ones. There needs to be a turning away from focusing on ourselves and our own wants to an emphasis on loving God and our neighbor and putting them ahead of ourselves.

Celebration (46–48, 54–55)
Mary rejoiced in the news given her by Gabriel and broke out in song. Her joy at seeing God carry out His plans and purposes caused her to exalt Him. In similar fashion, we should be exuberant at Christmas, the holiday commemorating the greatest news ever heard — that God loved man so much He was willing to send His only begotten Son to earth as man, God taking on human flesh, becoming incarnate to be one of us, to live as one of us and to die for us. This is for sure the greatest news we could ever hear, because if we believe, then we have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

At this time of year, we have the joyful privilege of sharing this good news with others. It is an opportune time to share with friends and family the purpose of Jesus being born of lowly status in a manger in Bethlehem.