December 7, 2024
Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this for certain?” (Luke 1:18, nasb)
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34, nasb)
In the months prior to the first Christmas night, the angel Gabriel visited two people and announced the same message of a miraculous birth. He declared to a priest named Zacharias that his aged wife, Elizabeth, would soon bear a son. Six months later, Gabriel surprised a young virgin girl, Mary, and announced that she had been chosen as the mother of the long-awaited Messiah.
Both Zacharias and Mary expressed great fear at the amazing news. The angel declared to each of them, “Do not be afraid.” The soon-to-be parents responded in very different ways. Zacharias did not believe the angel’s words, and his unbelief resulted in his inability to speak for the next nine months. In contrast, Mary expressed belief, yet wondered how such a miracle could occur in the womb of a virgin. As the angel explained the divine conception and proclaimed, “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37), Mary willingly yielded to God’s plan and responded with a song of praise for the gift of God’s favor.
The choice remains the same today for men and women who enter the Christmas season each year. As God reveals His plan to you, will you respond in belief or unbelief? Will you willingly receive His plan or stubbornly refuse to accept it? Will you question His call on your life or humbly trust Him with an attitude of thanksgiving no matter what the path ahead may hold?
Zacharias’s voice remained silent while Mary proclaimed praises to God. Each experienced the consequences of their choices. This Christmas consider what God might announce to you and prepare your heart to believe His words and willingly follow Him. He wants to bless you, no matter how difficult the path may be, and give you reason to rejoice.
Dr. Joye Baker
Adjunct Professor of Educational Ministries and Leadership, Doctor of Ministries Studies, and Doctor of Educational Ministry Studies