In December, we honor the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we prepare for the coming of Christ let us recall all the many miracles that led up to his arrival. Let's be reminded how the Heavens sang and the Angels appeared in many ways leading up to our Savior's incarnation.
The miracles bestowed on Zechariah and Elizabeth to be with child in their old age. An angel appeared to Zechariah proclaiming: " Do not Be Afraid, be assured that your prayer has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear a son and you shall name him John. He will bring Joy and Gladness to you and many will rejoice his birth."
(Luke 1:13-14)
Zechariah was silenced after he was delivered this news until Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist. Perhaps God silenced Zechariah so he could be still and listen to God and receive the gifts God intended for him. Do you take the time to be still and listen to God to receive what he has for you? Or are you so busy and caught up in daily life that it takes an illness or catastrophic setback in order for you to listen and receive?
The Angel Gabriel appears to Mary and says: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for God has looked kindly on you. You shall conceive and bear a son and you shall call him Jesus. He will be great and shall rightly be called Son of the Most High." (Luke 1:30-31). When Mary questions how this could be knowing she was a virgin, she puts complete faith and trust in the Holy Spirit to allow the impossible. How often do we put our complete faith and trust in God to perform the impossible? Or do we get in His way because we think we have all the answers and can fix any problem? And then cry out when things don't turn out the way we planned? Only to find later that God"s plan is ultimately the best plan.
What about the angels that appeared in Joseph's dream, or called out to the Shepards or brightened the sky with a star for the Kings to follow? The Heavens were preparing for the coming of Christ and a multitude or miracles occurred during this great time of preparation. Let us not focus just on the one day, Christmas Day, as we busy ourselves buying gifts, making cookies, sending packages, and decorating our homes. Let us be reminded of the preparations that took place and continue to take place in the heaven's above!
Let every day be a day to celebrate Christ was born! That he lived and died before we were ever born to save us from the sins we had yet to commit, and to promise eternal life before we were ever formed in the womb. What a miracle, what a gift, what a reason to celebrate, rejoice, and be glad everyday! Let us Not Be Afraid but remain in Trust and Hope for the goodness of the Lord!