MONDAY December 11, 2023
A Message of Rejoicing
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, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
Luke 1:26-28
During the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to give a message to a humble, young woman. This time, the angel went into an insignificant city in Galilee––Nazareth. There Mary, a young virgin, was betrothed––pledged in marriage––to a godly, young man, Joseph. She did not expect that God would place a call on her life.
The Lord had an incredible plan for Mary. She was chosen from among all women for one specific purpose––to be the mother of the Savior. She was highly favored and blessed among women. Although Mary did not yet fully comprehend what God had planned for her, she completely trusted Him.
Even though God’s plan would cause her to face many difficulties, it was very comforting for Mary to receive an assurance from the angel that the Lord was with her. She needed to know she would not be alone when her life would change. Mary, knowing the Scriptures, would come to understand how she would fit into God’s plan. Everything was beginning to unfold and fall into place, according to what was prophesied in the Old Testament Scriptures. She had good reason to rejoice.
All people on earth have a good reason to rejoice. Christmas brings a message of hope to us––Christ is born! When you believe in Christ, your life will change direction. God will help you to know His plan for your life, individually. Even though you will face great difficulties as a Christian, God promises to be with you. He will give you many reasons to rejoice!
Christ is God's great Christmas gift to the world. What a wonderful time of the year to say "Yes" to Jesus Christ and let him change your life and change many of the circumstances that you find yourself in now.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
