The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:2 and 6 NASB)
I was reading through and thinking on what we call The Christmas Story, and I began to really see Joseph and Mary. They were people like you and me. This is their testimony.
Mary was a young woman of perhaps fourteen years old. She was engaged to Joseph. One day, an angel, Gabriel, came to her and told her she would become pregnant with the Son of God. She was a virgin and asked how it was possible. Gabriel told her the Holy Spirit would come upon her. Mary said, “Yes, be it unto me as you say.” Mary had to say yes for this to happen.
The Father gave Mary a confirmation saying that Elizabeth was with child though she was in her old age. When Mary went to see her cousin and saw her large with child, I can almost feel her relief, that, yes, I heard right.
When she went back home and it was seen that she was pregnant, Joseph, being an honorable man, told her he would press no charges and divorce her quietly. That night, an angel of the Lord went to him and told him not to be afraid and told him what he had told Mary. Joseph, said yes. Yes, he believed what the angel of the Lord told him in a dream. He had to trust the Lord and move on a dream, more than once. The Father trusted Joseph and Mary with His Son.
He then sent the angel of the Lord to the shepherds, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terrified. The angel told them not to be afraid because he brought news of great joy, for in the city of David, a Savior was born for them who is Christ the Lord! They went to check it out and found it to be true so they went to tell everyone! They said yes and then shared the wonderful news!
All of this took place that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” He did this so we could choose to be His temple, so He could be with us forever.
Three words come to mind as think on these things: Life, Light and Love. He is all these things and more. The Father sent Himself, through His Son for us. He said, “I’m going to give you Me. If you see My Son, you’ve seen Me.I want to be with you always. He did all of this so we could choose Him. So He could live in us, earthen vessels carrying a priceless gift, Him. We get to choose to say yes, or not. Will we be His completely when we say yes? Will we cooperate with Holy Spirit to be transformed into His image? Paul said this:
Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”
Beloved ones, He sees you, He sent Himself for you, He loves you and wants you to be with Him forever. Won’t you say yes?
To whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27 NASB)
“And now, LORD, for what do I wait? My hope is in Thee.” (Psalm 39:7 NASB)
My daughter, Gabi, drew this picture.
