The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“Call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:31).

“It is two days after your little boy has been born,” her mother mentioned as she stood by the bedside of her adult daughter. “We can’t just keep calling him “Baby Boy! You know, Honey, you and your sweet husband have the most difficult time making decisions that I have ever seen. Why, you’ve been reading that book of names and their meanings. You’ve read list after list online. Some of your friends have even told me that you’ve asked them for their opinion,” said this slightly disgruntled grandmother. “Just name that little boy, please!” she teasingly said as she got ready to leave the hospital room. “May I hold him one more time before I leave?”  The grandmother held her little unnamed grandson and loved him with all her heart. It is interesting that some parents have named their baby before he or she is born. Others seem to struggle settling on the name. For Mary, there would be no question. Her baby boy was to be named ‘Jesus,’ which means “Savior.” This speaks of His mission, His purpose, and the reason for His coming.

For today: Be sure to keep Him in complete focus during these busy days. He is the Reason for the Season.

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou has found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” (Luke 1:30-34).

I mentioned yesterday that Luke 1 has two questions posed to Gabriel. The first was the question of doubt as posed by Zacharias. As a result of this doubting, he didn’t speak until after John was born. The second question was one of belief and excitement, asking how all this would happen. What a greatly different question as posed by Mary. She believed. She was ready to accept whatever Gabriel had told her. She just wanted to know how this would happen since she was a virgin. I am challenged and blessed to think of this young teenage lady. How would she explain this to her parents (and her grandparents, if they were living)? How would she explain this to her friends? Most importantly, how would she explain this to her Joseph? What others would think must have been important to her; however, what the Lord desired was first and foremost in her mind and heart. What a challenge for us today!

For today: I want to be as trusting and quick to obey as was Mary. I’m going to need the Lord’s help in huge ways. How about you?

“The angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years” (Luke 1:13, 18).

Two questions are asked of the angel Gabriel in Luke 1. Tomorrow we will briefly think about Mary’s question, “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” (1:34). Today we come to the question of dear Zacharias. In his priestly duties, it came to be his turn to burn the incense in the temple (1:9). Suddenly the angel Gabriel appeared to him (1:11). Gabriel actually made ten statements after telling him not to be afraid. The angel’s statements are very direct, clear, personal, and powerful. Then came the question that was filled with doubt. Oh, the human nature is clearly seen for what it is. Here is a veteran servant of the Lord, ministering in the temple, visited by an angel, receiving a direct message from God, and he doubted. This is not to be hard on Zacharias. It is only to remind me that as an old man who has served his whole adult life, I still must be on guard because doubt and disbelief can pop up at any moment.

Today: How does this affect you in your walk with the Lord and service to Him? Be on guard for doubt.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

What a great privilege Joseph shared with Mary! This couple was chosen in the sovereign plan of the Lord to be very instrumental in the life of the child Jesus. Mary would give birth to the Christ child, and Joseph would be charged with His care. Though not his own biological child, Joseph was privileged to care for this baby, and He was to be named Jesus. From the moment of announcing His name, His mission was also announced. He would be the Savior, yes, the One Who would save His people from their sins. Friends, there is just no way around it. The Lord Jesus is truly the Reason for the Season. I hope that you will rejoice in Him and keep Him front and center of all your plans.

For today: Aren’t you glad that you belong to the Lord Jesus? Don’t you wish everyone did?

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, thou art mine” (Isaiah 43:1).

What a marvelous statement the LORD gives to Isaiah to give to the people of Israel. What amazing grace and what amazing love the LORD demonstrates! Nothing can compare to the statement of the LORD that He has redeemed His people and considers them to be His own possession. It reminds me of a conversation Lucy had with her teenage son. “Frankie, I know that you don’t fully understand right now. But while I am concerned about the safety of your friends, they are not my responsibility. You are my son, and I will do everything in my power to protect you and care for you. However, even more important is the fact that the Lord is your Savior. He has redeemed you, and you belong to Him. Daily, please consider these important things. Please,” she continued. It was a special talk between Mom and son that day. Later in the day it struck Lucy that she too belonged to the Lord and how special that was to her.

For today: Redeemed and belonging to the Lord is the greatest blessing in all the world.