The Miracles of Christmas
The Miracles of Christmas || Day 1
Matthew 1:18-25 NKJV
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
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.
When we look at the true Christmas story there is one thing that stands out more than anything else. When I read this story what stands out to me the most are the constant and continuous miracles that are performed by God to have His Son born in human flesh.
Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Yes, the birth of Jesus is filled with miracles. Even from the time that Mary conceived, to the time she gave birth, and even into the time after His birth, miracles were constant and continuous. Therefore, I don’t know about you, but when I read this story, it gives me hope. Even if it’s not Christmas time I get hope. If it’s in the middle of July and I read this story I find hope.
I find hope because I realize that if God can perform all these miracles for the birth of Jesus, then truly nothing is too hard for Him. I know the Bible says He is the same yesterday, today, and forever; therefore, He is still in the miracle working business. That gives me hope because when I’m facing things that are difficult or that seem impossible, I can look back at this story and realize NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR HIM!
When I’m facing challenges or difficulties that are outside of my control, I remember this story. I remember that Mary was facing something that she could do nothing about. Joseph wanted to leave her because her story was unbelievable. Other than Elizabeth, her family wanted to put her away because she had shamed them.
However, God worked it all out because she obeyed Him and made herself available to His will.
That gives me hope and faith because when things are outside of my control, and they seem difficult to navigate through; if I will obey God and say yes to His will, He will step in and work it all out for His glory! Today I want to remind you, if you are facing challenges or difficulties outside of your control or power - just remember if you will obey and say yes to His will, He will step in and work it all out for His glory!
Let’s pray together…