THE GREATNESS OF JESUS CHRIST
“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”–Luke 1:30–33
When Gabriel came to announce to Mary that she had been chosen by God to give birth to the Messiah, he was bringing news that would completely upend her life. This young woman, espoused to be married to Joseph, was going to have a baby even though she was a virgin. She certainly knew that few people, if any, would believe she had remained pure. Yet Mary accepted her place in God’s plan willingly, despite the upheaval it would bring to her life. Her focus was in the same place God’s focus was—on the Saviour who would be born through her.
There are a lot of things I love about the Christmas season and the way we celebrate. I’m sure that like our family, yours has traditions for shopping, giving gifts, singing carols, special church services, and more. These things are what we expect and enjoy during the holidays. But nothing should ever be allowed to take the primary focus of everything we do away from Jesus. Years ago a popular bumper sticker said, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” The focus of Gabriel’s message to Mary was not on what being the mother of Jesus would mean to her, but on who and what Jesus is. He is both the Saviour and the ruler of the world. And though He has not yet come to rule on Earth, that promise is just as sure as His first coming. Never let anything that comes along with Christmas obscure your focus on Jesus, the Saviour. (Daily in the Word)
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
