TUESDAY December 9, 2025

A Greater Miracle

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

Since the time Zacharias had spoken with the angel Gabriel, his wife Elizabeth had become six months pregnant. God had miraculously created new life in the womb of a woman past the age of childbearing! Now an even greater miracle was about to happen. The angel Gabriel was once again sent by God to give a message to another person. This time the angel visited a young virgin––Mary. She lived in the humble, insignificant town of Nazareth, in Galilee. She was betrothed––pledged in marriage––to a godly, young man named Joseph.

Mary was highly favored by God and blessed among women. Imagine, from among all the women of the world, she was chosen to carry in her womb the Messiah. Although Mary could not comprehend what was about to happen to her, she trusted the Lord. Everything was about to fall into place, and she would soon come to understand the tremendous plan God had for her life.

The angel Gabriel’s message was in line with the Old Testament prophecies. The time had come for their fulfillment. Mary had knowledge of these age-old Scriptures. She knew the hope Israel had of the coming Messiah who would come and rescue the nation. Mary had good reason to rejoice because she understood her call––to be the mother of Jesus.

This moment in time would be life-changing for Mary, but it would also be life-changing for us. The birth of Jesus Christ means that mankind has been given a second chance for redemption––salvation. No one is past saving; no one is past the hope that the Christmas story brings.

Christmas celebrates the greatest event in the history of the human race: the night God stooped down from heaven and became a human being––Jesus Christ.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!