December 8, 2019-Angels Take a Bow

Luke:1-2

Angels at Christmas: Bringing the Message of Hope

Angels fulfill so many roles throughout the scriptures, being messengers, guardians, warriors and worshippers. In the Christmas story that we find in Luke 1 & 2, we can see angels serving and glorifying God in all of these facets.

One area I want to focus upon just here, is Gabriel’s message to Mary found in Luke 1: 28 – 38.  This is a message proclaiming the Advent of GRACE, not just upon Mary – but upon the entire world.

Permit me to alter the wording of this passage slightly, so that you can recognize that Gabriel’s message to Mary is / can be God’s message to you.

“Greetings (Your name goes here).  There is grace for your life. God is with you.”

“No no no. This can’t be so. I don’t understand.  Who are you?  What are you saying? …Grace…?  What? …God? … What??  … You’re from God?  Who are you?”

“Don’t be afraid. God loves you. He is offering you a gift beyond belief, because He is gracious, and He really does love you.”… “This is the gift.  His name is Jesus.  He is God’s Son. You are going to recognize that what I am telling you is true, and He is going to change your heart, forgive your sins, and be the new life within you … for your life will be in Him!  He is God’s Son, and you will be His child for eternity, … because His life is now yours,  and you will be everlastingly in His presence. You’re family now.”

“How can this be? I’m nobody. I’m just me. And, seriously, I’m a mess. A sinner. I struggle with sin and doubt all the time.”

“God’s Spirit, Holy Spirit, will bring you faith. He will bring you revelation of God’s Son, Jesus – that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  You will always be invited to call upon the name of Jesus in your life. …  And you are to receive the gifts of Holy Spirit, and experience the growing of the Fruit of Holy Spirit throughout your life.  You will truly know love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control,…  and you don’t have to try and earn any of this by fulfilling any laws or religious duties – it’s all a gift.”

“Why?”

“This is love.  This is who God is. This is what God does. This is GOD’S GRACE! His name is JESUS. Just call upon His name.”

…..A MESSAGE of HOPE: GRACE!