There are so many things happening in the Christmas story, and by the way, Christmas is one week from today. I love to look at, re-read, and take in ann the aspects of this story and the truth it brings to us and our world.
Within the story the angels show up several times to announce a birth, various aspects of Christmas. In each announcement there are different responses from the people who hear from God and meet the angels with the message from God.
As you read each announcement, take in the differences.
Matthew 1:24 NLT
When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.
Luke 1:38 NLT
Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
Luke 1:18 NLT
Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”
Luke 2:15 NLT
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Three different responses to what God said through the angels.
Joseph believed God, changed his mind and married his future wife.
Mary was overwhelmed and believed God, becoming the earthly mother of Jesus.
Zechariah questioned God about the birth of his son, John the Baptist, and Zechariah couldn’t speak until after John was born.
The shepherds wanted to go see as soon as they heard the news, and they went to find Jesus.
Different responses, but don’t we all have different responses? Do we believe God and respond in faith? Or do we question and hesitate? The choice is ours. The closer we get to God or the more we listen, the more we see Him working.
Often we will question or even not believe? But God can be trusted.
Mary and Joseph had a wild ride, but they were blessed.
Zechariah was taught not to doubt and dealt with consequences, but his life showed others God was real.
The shepherds led many to believe and see Jesus, and their response amazed everyone.
May our response to Jesus increase our faith, help others meet Jesus and push all of us to get even closer to the Christmas story. Listen in. Tell others. Watch to see what God does next. God is speaking and might just use Angels to tell us a story that will change the world.
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