The scale of the Christmas story is often reduced to Mary, Joseph and a manger. This keeps us from fully grasping all that God has for us. As we see the miraculous unfold and how every level of human and heavenly society was involved, by God’s design, we can also better appreciate its significance.
Today, I invite you to listen with new ears, and a willingness to reexamine these familiar stories.
Elizabeth and Zechariah: A Testament of Faith
The angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you will name him John. Luke 1:13 (NIV)
In a small Judean town, Zechariah and Elizabeth endured the pain and social stigma of infertility. But after a divine encounter, their lives become intertwined with the birth of Jesus, emphasizing how God orchestrated the birth of his son.
Zechariah, a devout priest and descendant of Aaron, served his community and the temple in Jerusalem. He was chosen by lot to refresh the incense in the Holy Place, the room closest to the very chamber ofGod, the Holy of Holies. While there, Zechariah encountered the angel Gabriel, who brought the miraculous news of Elizabeth’s forthcoming pregnancy (Luke1:8-17). God fulfilled the deep desires of this incredible couple and used their baby to prepare the way for our Savior.
God’s plan often unfolds through divine appointments. God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways to fulfill His purposes. Our faith and trust in His plan, even when it seems impossible, can lead to miraculous outcomes.
Gabriel: Heavenly Messenger and Herald
The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. Luke 1:19 (NIV)
Gabriel is an angel who serves as a critical figure in the nativity narrative. His appearances span over 430 years, from Daniel’s time around 438 BC to encounters with Zechariah, Mary, and Joseph in 6 or 5 BC (Daniel 8:16; 9:21, 22; Luke 111-20).
While tens of thousands of angels serve in heaven, only two are named in the Bible: Gabriel and Michael. Gabriel emerges prominently in the Nativity narrative, entrusted with messages to pivotal figures. He appears to Zechariah and Mary in human form and quite possibly to Joseph in his dreams, conveying God’s directives.
When Gabriel arrives, he shares that he stands in the presence of God. The concept of serving God directly in His presence is overwhelming and beyond the grasp of the human mind during our earthly existence. God is helping us to feel the magnitude of His incredible announcement.
—
Go deeper with Jesus & learn more about the context for Christmas.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE E-BOOK “WHO’S WHO IN THE NATIVITY STORY” | DOWNLOAD NOW
CHECK OUT THE PODCAST
This Christmas season, I’ll be sharing more about the context of Christmas and diving into the stories of many of the people who were important to his story. Each episode is a chance for you to grow deeper in your faith as you fix your eyes on Jesus.
