God sent an angel to prepare Joseph for his role in the birth of the Messiah. Joseph’s response was grounded in his character and shaped by his commitment to the Word of God. This kind of submission to God requires courage in the face of shame and rejection. Matthew 1:18 – 2:15 18 Now the birth…
Gabriel’s visit with Mary foretold the Messiah’s conception and birth. The angel’s message is the cornerstone of redemptive history. It calls us, like Mary, to acknowledge the mystery of God’s plans and to submit to His purposes in humility and trust. Luke 1:26-45 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a…
During the Christmas season, it can be easy to think of Christ’s birth merely as an inspiring store – but it is far more meaningful than that. Philippians 2 highlights the steps Christ took downward from heaven, starting with His birth as a human baby and leading to His wiling, obedient death on the cross.…
As we consider the theme of God’s dwelling among His people in this passage, we will see how the Son of God dwelt on earth in the incarnation. Jesus “tabernacled” among His people; He literally came to dwell on earth. This reality is a great paradox: that God could come and take on flesh and…