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Christmas always brings a season of different emotions and thoughts.  We think of those less fortunate, the lonely, elderly and those we miss because they are far away or have gone to be with the Lord.  We find a compassion and generosity that should be a way of life for a Christian.  We pray and ponder how this one event in history has changed the world so drastically.

Of the billions of babies born in the history of the world, no other birth has brought so much attention.  A gazillion books have been written about it.  Two bazillion sermons have been delivered about thisbirth.

The marking of time changed.  History turned at the birth of this one baby.  This birth was a new revelation; a new covenant.  Things would never be the same after the birth of this one. 

Kings came from afar to honor this little one.  Other kings felt threatened by this little baby and killed many others to try to eliminate the one.  The evil in the world stood up and took notice.  This was the beginning of the end for them.

Imagine Mary going about her business when suddenly Gabriel is standing before her. 

"Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you."

But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was.

Mary didn't know what to make of this.  She knew there was something different about this guy.  Gabriel must have seen the concern and fear on her face.

The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God."

"And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus."

Gabriel doesn't beat around the bush.  He tells her not to be afraid but then gets right to the point and tells Mary she is going to have a child.  She was to name him Jesus.  Ten seconds ago Mary's life was fairly normal, doing normal things.  She was probably about fifteen years old and she was engaged to Joseph.  Her life just changed forever. 

Gabriel goes on.

"He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end."

This is huge!  This is news!  How can this be?  Son of the Most High, a king on a throne, he will reign, forever.  Did Mary really understand all this?  Did she have any comprehension of what Gabriel just said?  If she did, do you suppose she felt inadequate?  Small?  Insignificant in light of the incredible announcement this angel of the Lord just made?

God had chosen her.  What an honor.  She didn't understand how it was possible and Gabriel explained the Spirit would overshadow her.  He also tells her that Elizabeth, in her old age, is also going to have a child.  This had to bring some comfort to Mary.

"Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

This is the response of a humble bondservant.  There is no way she could totally understand all that was about to happen to her.  For the next nine months of her life she had to be mocked and ridiculed while she went through all the physical changes of being pregnant.  After Mary went to Elizabethshe said:

"My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.  For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name.  AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.  He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.  He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble.  HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; and sent away the rich empty-handed.  He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever."

This sounds like she did understand.  She knew that all generations would count her as blessed.  She knew she carried the Messiah, the Promised One.  This Jesus was the Meshiach Nagid; Messiah the King.

We all know the story of how Mary had her baby.  But clear your mind and read it again.  Let this story be about real people, not all that long ago.  Imagine how they felt in this throng of people that flooded Bethlehem.  They were just 2 more travelers trying to find their way. 

But she was special because she carried a baby that would change the world, forever.  He would go on to say many great things.  But the greatest thing he would ever say is, "It is finished" as He hung on the cross.  The Greek word 'telelestai' means paid in full.  This baby would go on to pay a debt that no one else could pay.  And he did it for all who would receive that gift. 

I wonder what Mary saw and felt when she first looked into the eyes of that baby.  Did she see the love that was present in a God who would send His son to die for those who sinned against Him?  Imagine what it felt like for her to hold the savior close and feel the warmth of his body as she cradled Him.  Could she imagine that she would have to look in those eyes as he suffered on the cross?  Did she see pain in His eyes from the knowledge of my sin?  Your sin? 

There is no greater gift.  It's been said so many ways over the years that almost everything sounds cliché.  But you can never let the story grow stale or old.  The news is too good. 

Isaiah 9:6-7

   For unto us a Child is born,
   Unto us a Son is given;
   And the government will be upon His shoulder.
   And His name will be called
   Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
   Of the increase of His government and peace
   There will be no end,
   Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
   To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
   From that time forward, even forever.

Take the free gift.  Cherish it, embrace it and live it out in your life.

Merry Christmas!

Doug