Making Room for the Miracle of Christmas!
Luke 1:26-38 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 … Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus … 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 … “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” (NKJV).
We should never tire of reading this story – the most important story ever to be told. The account of the incarnation of our Saviour never ceases to amazing me.
Mary we believe was about 14-17 years old, just a teenager. Betrothal (or engagement) took place just after puberty, but they didn’t have sex until they were married. The engagement relationship was only broken by death or divorce, so they were legally and effectively husband and wife. Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus, has a place of honour among the women of the Second Testament, an enduring example of faith, humility and service.
What was it like for Mary? What went through her mind at the events she experienced? What did she do if anything to position herself for a miracle? Can we learn things to release miracles in our lives, and for others?
Here’s three thoughts.
1. Mary Demonstrated Consecration.
We know she was a virgin. Well, she was young. The fact of the virgin birth of Christ cannot be overstated. The nature of Christ’s conception by the Power of the Holy Spirit, testifies to His deity and His sinlessness – two important facets of His coming.
In Luke 1:46-55, we read her song following her visit to Elizabeth. It is a revelation! Her “Magnificat”, as it is sometimes known because of the first word in the Latin translation, contains Old Testament allusions and quotations. It reveals Mary’s heart and mind were saturated with The Word of God. There’s echoes of Hannah’s prayer. There’s references to the Law, the Psalms, the Prophets. It recites the covenant promises of God. It is one of the “choicest gems of Hebrew poetry” as Herbert Lockyer says. (How many teenagers of today, brought up in the church, would have such a thorough understanding of the Scriptures as Mary did?).
Despite Mary’s geographical location being less than desirable, despite the demands of living a consecrated life from an early age, she remained faithful. And remember, she’s just a teenager!
2. She Exercised Consideration.
In Luke 1:29, we read that Mary; “considered what manner of greeting this was” (NKJV). We’re big on speaking and declaring God’s Word, because we know it’s creative. Sometimes that’s the right thing to do. But sometimes, we just need to say nothing, and think about what the Lord is saying to us.
In Luke 1:34, we read, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” (NKJV). The question was borne out of wonder, not doubt or disbelief, so the angel did not rebuke her as he’d done to Zacharias. She doesn’t ask for “another sign” as Zacharias did, but obviously believed this promise to be fulfilled immediately.
Let’s consider, ponder, think about and meditate more on the Word of God! Let’s focus on what God says, even though we have questions, we don’t understand what it all means, we wonder how that will happen, and even though it seems impossible. Let’s decisively intelligently consider what God says. Mary considered the things spoken to her, not allowing unbelief, negativity, her background, anything, to infiltrate and contaminate her mind.
3. Mary Lived Commitment.
We read in Luke 1:38, “with God nothing will be impossible.” Be encouraged by those words today. (Interestingly similar language spoken to another couple about a miracle birth, in Genesis 18:14). Mary’s response is incredible. “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Luke 1:39 (NKJV). Mary surely had to be committed, because being betrothed (engaged), yet pregnant, young, unmarried, from wrong place, was not a good look. It could have been fatal, as stoning was the usual practice for adulterers. But she trusted the Word of the Lord in spite of the journey to its fulfillment.
What was going through her mind over those nine months? Was she listening to the ridicule of the locals, reiterating that “Can anything good come out of Nazareth? “Was she hearing the voices of shame and embarrassment, impossibility, the wrongness of the situation booming in her ears? I think she was remembering “The Word of the Lord”, and was committed to remaining faithful to it.
When she said; “Let it be to me according to You word”, the Holy Spirit, by His gentle operation took Deity and humanity and fused them together. It’s the same for us in the fulfilling of His promises to us. God takes our humanness, touches it with His Omnipotent Divine power, and a miracle follows.
I’m challenged by three questions at this Christmas and New Year time, and I share them with you:
- Consecration: What areas do we need to consecrate to the Lord?
- Consideration: Can we hear and listen to and meditate on his Word?
- Commitment: Are we fully, wholeheartedly dedicated and committed to the Lord and His Word?
There was room in Mary’s life for a miracle; may there be in ours too!
Wendy and I pray for you, your loved ones, and all you come into contact with this Christmas; may the Word of the Lord come to pass in your life, may the peace and blessing of His presence bring new life and provision and may you know and share the joy of the miracle of Christ!
