Angels top our trees, angels stand in our yards, angels every where of every size can be found.
But then, angels flooded the Christmas story.
First we have Gabriel appearing in the temple with great news for Zacharias. This angel came with assurances that the priest’s prayers would be answered. Even though Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were past the age of having kids, they would soon be expecting a baby boy whose name would be John. He would grow to be the one who would prepare the way for the Lord.
And Zacharias’ response to this wondrous news
Luke 1 18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
Gabriel closed Zacharias mouth until the baby was born and he was asked what to name the baby.
A few months later in the town of Nazareth, Gabriel shows up with more news.
He appears to a young 13 or 14 year old girl engaged to marry. The angel informs the young girl, a virgin, she will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit. This baby’s name will be Jesus (God’s salvation).
Mary knows this news means she will be at a minimum mocked in her community. There is a real possibility her husband to be would have her stoned or removed from the community. Her life will take a significant turn with this news.
And what is Mary’s response
Luke 1 38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Journal exercise
What would your response be if an Angel appeared to you?
If an angel appeared telling you that a prayer would be answered, would you believe or ask for proof?
If the angel asked you to do something really hard what would your answer be?
You may not get an appearance from an angel, but you may know that God is asking you to do something for Him. How have you responded to those requests to do hard things?
Fourth Day Adventures 