Lessons from the Christmas Story (Part II)

Scripture:  II Peter 1:19 (NASB) - So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.

For those of us who are fully persuaded that the Bible is indeed the  Spirit-breathed Word of God, it is easy to recognize the connection between today’s title verse and the account of the very first Christmas.  Christ’s entrance into this world that was “in sin and error pining,” as one Christmas classic says, should never be reduced to a mere sweet sentimental tale about a baby born in a manger, whose parents could find no inn to stay for the night.  In this account of our Savior’s first visitation, we cannot bypass a third great lesson:  the need for exceptional perseverance!  

Both Mary and Joseph at the outset of their assignment required divine assurances to conquer their collective fears and uncertainties.  The Spirit also graciously equipped them with great perseverance to trust ALL that God had supernaturally revealed to them.  Notice Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel’s visit, as reported in Luke 1:28-35.  “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”  Since her question, says one commentor, resulted from a sense of wonder, and not doubt-- as was the case with Zacharias at his son John the Baptist’s angel-delivered “birth announcement”-- she did not experience any divine rebuke.  Her straightforward question received a direct angelic reply in Luke 1:35— “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.”  

God’s messenger, Gabriel, delivered the sure prophetic word, and Mary, though frightened, paid attention!

Chances are we will never undergo as weighty or significant a trial of circumstances as those for which Mary and Joseph were chosen.  Nevertheless, like them, we too can exercise genuine trust that we have the assured presence of our El Shaddai—His GUARANTEED promise of a safe arrival in time and into eternal Paradise!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, You tell us that through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God.  Help us to trust You more each step of our respective journeys, knowing that You are right here with us, our Immanuel.  In Christ’s name we pray and give You thanks—Amen!

(by Denise Diggs)