Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
December 18, 2022
Read Luke 1:26-38
26 When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee, 27 to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 When the angel came to her, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” 29 She was confused by these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you. 31 Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and he will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. 33 He will rule over Jacob’s house forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen since I haven’t had sexual relations with a man?” 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come over you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the one who is to be born will be holy. He will be called God’s Son. 36 Look, even in her old age, your relative Elizabeth has conceived a son. This woman who was labeled ‘unable to conceive’ is now six months pregnant. 37 Nothing is impossible for God.” 38 Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
Good Morning, Nothing is impossible for God!
When Christmas falls on Sunday as it does this year, we have a bit of an oddity. Today, we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Advent, and then we have a whole week to wait. What a blessing to have extra preparation time! I pray that you can find some time within this hidden blessing to slow down or even stop and contemplate the arrival of Jesus.
For Mary and Joseph, this is a grueling time. They have learned that they must travel to Bethlehem to participate in the census. When you consider their situation, it doesn’t seem possible for them to make and survive this trip. Just think of how uncomfortable Mary would be traveling across bumpy trails on the back of a donkey or even on foot.
In today’s world, we could virtually complete the task of registering, but Mary and Joseph must physically be counted. It is interesting that this accounting adds historical validity for those who want to dismiss the birth of Jesus as a fairy tale. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is also another part of fulfilling the prophecy.
Isaiah 9:6—Isaiah prophesies that Jesus Christ will come as a baby; Jesus is described by several names. Micah 5:2—Micah prophesies that Jesus will be born in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:4–6—The scribes knew that Bethlehem was the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah.
God protects Mary and Joseph on what seems like an impossible journey so that the baby will safely be born in Bethlehem. Thanks be to God! The arrival of Christ is almost here. Take time to complete your preparations!
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. We celebrate the coming our Your Son. You are an awesome God. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Everything is possible for God.
Prepare the way of the Lord! Pastor Liz