December 10
Luke 1:26-38 (NKJV) Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then 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 bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
We are going to look at a different aspect of this scripture today…angels…and, in particular, Gabriel. Does it seem to you that Gabriel was very excited to be sharing this news with Mary? With his first word being “rejoice,” I get the feeling that he was; also, blessed is used, and his news is all summed up with an exclamation point ~ which is not something you see just thrown about in scriptures.
All this then makes me wonder: do angels have feelings…Think about it: they longed ~ according to the NIV; the NKJV says desires ~ to look into these things (1 Peter 1:12); there is joy in the presence of angels…over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10 NKJV); and Devil…is said to have great wrath (Rev 12:12 NKJV) ~ remember he was a fallen angel. The angels in heaven worship God day and night…and I don’t think that they are robots “just doing their job”…or why would so many have sided with Lucifer and become “fallen angels”? Just makes me think…does it make you think too?
Anyway, back to Gabriel…he was sent to Mary to tell her that she was to carry the “Son of God” ~ did you notice that he “came in” and “departed”. When he came to see Zacharias…it doesn’t mention that he came in or departed…it just said appeared (see December 6). This wording today seems so mannerly and respectful. It just leapt off the page at me and it inspired me! Gabriel had the blessed privilege of giving the news to Mary that she was to carry the “Holy One” and the “Son of God”. I get the feeling that Gabriel is showing reverence for His God. What are your thoughts about his behavior?
I just have to praise Him ~ we serve a great, loving, and mighty God! He is so good to you, beloved…enjoy this day that He has made…rejoice and be glad in it!
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
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