Do You Believe in Miracles?

Yes, you have heard the story of Christmas before; the Son of the Living God born of the Virgin Mary; who became Man; who was crucified to save mankind from his sins and grant ever lasting life? Does this, in anyway, diminish the fact that this is truly an awesome truth? Does it just take your breath away every time you hear it….? Can you imagine, back 2,010 years ago in the town of Bethlehem, the Magi, the shepherds and angels all welcoming the birth of our Lord Jesus, our Savior?

I am sure there are skeptics of Jesus’ miracle birth; but I am a strong believer that miracles happen. A very dear friend of mine survived a life threatening ordeal and the surrounding events that took place was the miracle. My friend was to be in flight to another state at the time and the person who came to her aide was also to be out of state in another location at the time. Undeniably, circumstances occurred that caused both parties to be at the right place at the right time. God has a purpose…God interceded …My friend is a living example of God’s LOVE! I’m sure we all have our stories to tell about miracles in our lives…so why would we NOT believe the story of the birth of Jesus?

Have we contemplated the thought that if Jesus’ birth happened today, would we believe? We have planes, medical miracles (i.e., transplantations); modern conveniences of microwaves, computers at your fingertips. God created Heaven and Earth…If you believe that God created Adam: “And the Eternal God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul," why can’t God create His Son, Jesus Christ through virgin birth…?

In revealing my unknowingness once upon a time regarding the true meaning of Christmas: decorating the Christmas tree;: Do you remember the tinsel/aluminum foiled tree with rotating lights or plight of the fruit cake? Listening to Nat King Cole’s "The Christmas Song” or “Sleigh Ride;” participating in the story of Christmas told in church and schools (yes, schools once upon a time); and of course, presents, family and fun! All in all, God reveals in His time: the Way, the Truth and the Light! The Gospel! The Good News! We are so blessed to realize why we celebrate Christmas; without the belief, the celebration as WE know it would not exist.

I simply love Christmas! It is not just one day; it is 24/7. We must be careful not to celebrate in the earth’s realm: going into debt for presents, trips, parties, participating in events that mocks the sanctity of the holiday. We as Christians must be very careful not to cross the line on exactly who, what and why we celebrate. I love the Christmas story…every year, although somewhat shortened for space, in essence… the miracles!

Christmas!

Revelation to Mary: Luke 1:26-35: 26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went 29 to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and 30 wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name, Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David, 33and he will reign over the house 34 35 of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1-26-38 Revelation to Joseph: Matthew 1:18-24: 8This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." 22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" which means, "God with us." 24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. The Birth of Jesus: Luke 2:4-7 4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. The Shepherds and the 8 9

Angels: Luke 2:8-14 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 14

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Love PWS