The announcements!

 Luke 1 ..Taking a brief pause from the Psalms.. I am turning to Luke.. to  focus on Jesus, the Christ who is the True gift of Christmas... 

This first chapter is introduced by Luke.. who tells his readers that he is writing "so that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught."  

The truth is.. that Zacharias was visited by Gabriel.. an angel who "stands in the presence of God."  Gabriel tells Zacharias that he and his wife, Elizabeth, were going to finally have a baby. This son would be John.. chosen before his conception.. to be "a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah.. "  His role was to "turn back the hearts.. "  of the people.. "to the attitude of the righteous; so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." 

And so it happened!

The truth of Mary's visit with Gabriel is stunning.  This humble young woman was chosen by God to bear His Son.  Her song of praise reveals her true heart:

"My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave.. "  She heard.. she believed.. and she praised the Lord with all her heart.

There is so much to be said of these truths.. but the main message that I want to focus on through this season.. is this: like Mary.. may we exalt the Lord for He has regarded us.. in our humble states..  He has shown us mercy.. He has done mighty deeds.. He has filled us with "good things".. He has given us help.  We have all been chosen.. to bear the image of God's Son.   May the Holy Spirit fill us to the full with His power.. doing what is impossible for mankind.. but never impossible for God.. to make us all that He desires us to be. 

Father in heaven, may Your will be done in each of us today.   May we grow in the grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. May His fulness fill our lives with truth and love. Holy Spirit, come and to all that is needed in us as we yield to Your will and purposes.  Thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.. the Savior of the world! We rejoice in You, God our Savior..  amen.