December 15 Christmas Devotion
The arrival of Jesus is part of God's plan, and he represents the keeping of promises and divine commitments made long ago.
Early in Luke, an angel is sent by God to a priest serving in the temple. As he burned incense, an angel appeared to him and announced that his previously barren wife, Elizabeth, would soon give birth to a son. Zechariah responded with scepticism: “How shall I know this?” (Luke 1:18). Instead of rejoicing in what God had promised, Zechariah focused on the impossibility of the situation. Consequently, the angel silenced Zechariah until John’s birth. After some time, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and expressed her joy that the reproach of barrenness had been lifted from her. Again, she rejoices when she meets Mary, “the mother of my Lord” (Luke 1:24–25, 41–45). Elizabeth’s reaction tells us she honours God.
God then sends the angel Gabriel to Mary, who is betrothed to Joseph. Gabriel reveals that Mary would carry and birth the Son of God, the long-expected Davidic King. Mary responded with wonder: “How will this be?” (1:34). Mary’s question was full of possibility—Almighty God was going to do great things through her. The important detail is that Mary would conceive by the Holy Spirit, and her cousin Elizabeth was also with child. The angel concluded with a stirring statement of God’s power: “Nothing will be impossible with God” (1:37). Mary reflects on what God is doing in her hymn, the Magnificat, and describes herself as God’s “servant” (the repetition of servant connects Luke 1:48 to 1:38) and of “humble state.”
Mary praises God her Saviour because he looked upon her low social state and yet, in love, let her bear the Messiah. What God did for her is like what he does for others in the same state (Luke 1:52). God has given her a special place by having her bear the Messiah. Generations of all time will bless her, perceive her fortune in receiving this special role. Elizabeth’s blessing in Luke 1:45 is the first blessing that Mary receives as an exemplary servant touched by grace (11:28–29 is another). Luke presents Mary as an example of faith in God and a humble servant who is willing to do what God asks. Mary’s hymn, the Magnificat, is an initial characterisation of God whose purpose shapes the rest of Luke’s story. Mary knows and trusts in God and what he is doing through the Son’s incarnation.
Paul explains what God has done through Jesus Christ:
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
Christ’s death and resurrection for sinners is good news because it announces the grace and peace that have now come to sinners who rely on Jesus Christ's death and resurrection for sin.
Clinging to God and his promises renews hope. If you are seeking forgiveness, consider transferring your faith to Jesus Christ, and you will be forgiven.