12/24- Day 28- The Angel’s prophecies- Matthew 1:20-21; Luke 1:26-38
Light four candles. If lighting them in the evening, you may also light the Christ candle.
(The Annunciation Paolo Matteis 1712)
Thoughts: The angel Gabriel proved a prophet- being a messenger of the Messiah. He predicted that the Messiah would come through Joseph, and Mary. All the prophetic predictions about the Messiah were narrowing down to within a few months. It was becoming very clear exactly what God wanted, and how He was going to bring His son into the world- through a common couple and as a baby. God was announcing His plan becoming real right then- which was a shock to Mary and Joseph. The time waited for and predicted for centuries was coming to reality. God comes to us in smaller ways, but often in surprising ways to accomplish His plans. Our response should be as Mary’s- may it be to me as you have said. On Christmas Eve, we rejoice that God accomplishes His plan for our salvation.
Prayer: Lord, may your plan be accomplished in me. May I accept your Son, your salvation anew.
Light four candles. If lighting them in the evening, you may also light the Christ candle.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[f] because he will save his people from their sins.”
(Matthew 1:20-21)
(Matthew 1:20-21)
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:29-37)
Thoughts: The angel Gabriel proved a prophet- being a messenger of the Messiah. He predicted that the Messiah would come through Joseph, and Mary. All the prophetic predictions about the Messiah were narrowing down to within a few months. It was becoming very clear exactly what God wanted, and how He was going to bring His son into the world- through a common couple and as a baby. God was announcing His plan becoming real right then- which was a shock to Mary and Joseph. The time waited for and predicted for centuries was coming to reality. God comes to us in smaller ways, but often in surprising ways to accomplish His plans. Our response should be as Mary’s- may it be to me as you have said. On Christmas Eve, we rejoice that God accomplishes His plan for our salvation.
Prayer: Lord, may your plan be accomplished in me. May I accept your Son, your salvation anew.
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