MEDITATION:
Written by Jamie Janosz, a contemporary author.
According to several recent polls, more Americans believe in the existence of angels (55 percent) than in global warming (36 percent). In August 2007, a Pew poll found that 68 percent of Americans believe that “angels and demons are active in the world.” The story of the Nativity features one of these angels, Gabriel. His name means “the strength of God,” and he is often seen delivering messages of God’s kindness. The angel Gabriel is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, first to Daniel (Dan. 8:15–16) and later in the New Testament, predicting the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. The passage tells us that the angel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth in the “sixth month,” referring to the pregnancy of Elizabeth (1:36). The angel had previously appeared to Zechariah, and now was sent on a second birth announcement mission to Mary. To this young girl, a virgin, the angel Gabriel appears and addresses her with great respect: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you” (v. 28). Like most humans receiving a heavenly visitor, Mary was “troubled” by the angel’s appearance. Gabriel repeated that she has found “favor” with God (v. 30). The fact that God has favored or chosen her should allay her fears. He then told Mary the reason for his visit: she will bear a son, in a supernatural way, and name Him Jesus. This will not be an ordinary baby, because His destiny will be to reign over the house of Jacob forever (vv. 31–33). Jesus would not be the son of an earthly man, but the “Son of the Most High” (v. 32). The announcement of this baby certainly warranted an angelic messenger.
SCRIPTURE: Luke 1: 26-33
MUSIC VIDEO: The Angel Gabriel
Performed by All Angels
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