From the Manger to the Cross (Luke 1:26-38)

Transcription

1 4 From the Manger to the Cross (Luke 1:26-38) For nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37) I was greeted by the angel Gabriel. At first I was frightened, but the angel spoke with such gentleness and love. Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. What did he mean I was highly favored? How did I receive such an honor? What did I do to be chosen? Gabriel seeing my look of anxiousness continued to assure me of his peaceful presence as he once again shared, You have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. 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, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end. How can this be I asked? The angel explained with words of simplicity and I just felt the truth of the words and the blessing of the Lord in this conversation. Somehow I

2 knew this was a message from the Lord Himself through his servant Gabriel. I felt honored, but did not understand how I, of common wealth and knowledge and influence would be the one the Lord and Creator of the universe should choose to carry the promised King. With submission I honored Him with my servant s heart, I am the Lord s servant, may it be to me as you have said. For nothing is impossible with God. The Lord blessed me and my soul glorified Him and my spirit rejoiced in Him. All generations would call me blessed for the Mighty One has done great things for me, holy is His name. The time came for the Christ child to be born. It would not be an easy time. Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. Joseph and I would have to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem while I was great with child. The Lord had His hand upon me throughout the travel. Upon arrival to our destination of registration, we found every place full. There was no room in any inn to find rest. A gracious man opened the door of his stable for a place to stay for the night. A resting place for animals became the chosen quiet room for the birth of the King. It was amazing how the animals seemed to know the importance of this child. The cows moved aside giving of their hay for a soft bed for Jesus in their manger where they had been eating. The moos of the cows, the neighs of the horses, the baas of the sheep,

3 the meows of the cats, the crows of the rooster, and the protective presence beside the manger of the barnyard dog welcomed Jesus. While everyone else was busy negotiating business and tending to legal affairs, the animals of the stable were overseeing the beauty of the promised King s birth. That night when Jesus was born I held him close. Looking upon His closed eyes I felt such peacefulness. Somehow I knew that I would have to hold this moment close within my heart, for as this child would grow so would the pending reality of His birth one day pierce my heart. Many came to visit as time passed, the shepherds with the angels, kings from far off lands with gifts and we were blessed by Simeon and the prophetess Anna at the temple. We were alerted of those desiring to kill Jesus, so we traveled to safer places. Jesus grew and became strong; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him. I was amazed at His knowledge as He went to the temple answering questions of teachers of the temple. The time came quickly when He was on His own serving and teaching all people. He did not discriminate; He sought to help anyone in need. His heart was truly compassionate, gentle, and kind. He willingly gave of His time and energy to share love and joy, teaching how to live in peace.

4 It is difficult to live such a tranquil life in the midst of constant fighting and turmoil, yet He was an example of such living. He taught how He came into the world in obedience to His Father not to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Anyone who believes that the Father sent Him and that He was the Son of the Living God would not perish, but would have everlasting life. He was the gate to the Father God. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. People brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demonpossessed, those having seizures, the paralyzed, and He healed them. Soon the religious leaders became angry with Him and sought every opportune time to silence Him, restrain Him from places, and to keep Him from healing. They had no power over Him, however, the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. One would betray Him, some would condemn Him, and many would be lost. As He was stripped and beaten I could hardly remain quiet and calm. I grieved inwardly. The piercing of my heart, the heart of a mother broken by the hands of vile men as they viciously and with no remorse scourged my beloved son. Once Jesus looked across the courtyard catching my eye with the message I knew not with my mind, but my heart, well it was hard to digest. His eyes spoke love, forgiveness and words

5 unspoken I understood, Do not weep for me...it is as it must be. One must die so that many shall live. At the foot of the cross I stood weeping. The tears I could no longer restrain. My Lord looked down with compassion and with final instructions, Dear woman, He said, here is your son, (speaking to John who stood beside me), and to John, Here is your mother. Jesus made sure I was cared for before He gave up His last breath. For the last time our eyes connected. I felt His strength through this embracing moment. I knew though He would no longer be physically with me, He would always be within me. I knew He would never leave me. I now understood how He spoke of being one with the Father and it was His prayer that all who believed in Him would share that oneness. As His eyes turned upward, He spoke His final words, It is finished. Walking away from the cross as the earth shook and lightning lit up the sky, I remembered that day when I was visited by the angel Gabriel, when I accepted the blessing of carrying the promised King. My desire was to be the Lord s servant. It is still my desire to be the Lord s servant. May it be as the Lord says for nothing is impossible with God. Have you suffered a great loss in your life, a loved one to death, abandonment, a serious illness, or a financial loss? Jesus knows our needs. Look up to Him, seek His face, and remember nothing is impossible with God. Take your burdens to the cross,

6 lay them down before the Lord, and speak, It is finished! No longer will I go alone. Come carry me through, fill me with Your strength, wisdom, and understanding that will provide peace, comfort, and a new joy. Praise Jesus! Amen!