Christmas: The Promise FulfilledIhe Atụ

An Announcement From Heaven That Solves A Serious Dilemma. 

We're once again reminded of a story that we've heard many times. An angel, sent by God, comes to Mary to make an announcement that would change her life (and the world's) forever!

She was a virgin betrothed to marry a righteous man named Joseph. She was troubled by what the angel Gabriel told her. She had a lot of questions I'm sure. The angel comforted and reassured her to not be afraid then laid out everything for her, even what she should name the child. Once she was put at ease she stated, "Let it be done according to your word." 

What a powerful and Faith Filled statement she made. I wonder if she knew how incredible her statement was and if she was familiar or not with the prophecy she would play a part in fulfilling? Here again we witness God's Word in action. Real people fulfilling what God really said and recorded for us in the scriptures! Everything is fulfilled according to God's Word. 

Miraculously, Mary would remain a Virgin until after the baby was born. She also would have most likely faced some ridicule in the process because she was pregnant before she and Joseph were married. She persevered and treasured all the angel revealed to her. Even if she didn't understand all the implications of having this child meant, she showed great faith and courage, as she was willing to do what God wanted her to do.

In comes Joseph, He was the one betrothed to Mary.  He has a dilemma on his hands because he finds out that she's pregnant with who know whose child. "What should I do? He asks himself." Should I put her away (divorce her), because by this time they were joined together according to scripture? He was rightly troubled because he desired to do what was pleasing to God. He showed that he was very honorable because he did not want to ruin Mary's reputation either. He had a real dilemma on his hands. But, here again, God sends an angel to intervene and set things in place so the promise of God may be fulfilled through the birth of the Christ Child. In a dream, the Angel makes everything clear to Joseph as he explains what the situation with Mary was. The angel explained what the prophecy said and that Mary was the one who would bear the Messiah conceived by the Holy Spirit. He went on to tell him that it was OK for him to take Mary as his wife. Joseph awakens and goes to take Mary as his wife as the angel of the Lord commanded.

God sent the angel to talk with Mary and Joseph, announcing The Promised One from God was coming and whether they fully understood it or not, God would be using them to fulfill the prophecy and to bring His one and only Son into the world.

This is an amazing thing God chose to do for mankind! The stage was now set for the entrance of the King of Kings as promised by God. It's truly incredible how God works out all of the details, isn't it?! God continues to show Himself faithful to reveal and fulfill the promises in His Son. 

The Messiah would be born of the Virgin Mary according to His Word!

Questions To Get Started With:

• What kind of faith was evident in Mary and Joseph? 
• How would you describe their faith by their actions? 
• What do you think was going on inside them as the Angel came to them with this news? 
• Do you think they completely understood what the announcement from the angel meant? 
• What do you think you would have done if you were in their shoes? 
• What do these announcements tell you about God's Fulfilled Promise?