“I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings” (Luke 1:19).
With the birth of Jesus coming in the City of Bethlehem, during a time of heavy travel as people enrolled for taxation, obviously, there was no room for them in the inn. This was not poor planning on the part of Joseph. This was absolutely God being in sovereign control of the situation. All this was part of the plan of the Lord and part of what makes the Lord Jesus so special to us. I told you yesterday about eight-year-old Jonas wanting to be the angel so that he could scare everyone. We smile at his motives, but I can tell you that when Gabriel was sent from the Lord, people were frightened. Four times the angel said, “Fear not.” They are as follows: 1. Fear not: your prayer is heard (Luke 1:12-14). 2. Fear not: your pregnancy is supernatural (Luke 1: 26-25). 3. Fear not: Mary’s pregnancy is not what you think. Let me explain (Matthew 1:18-25). 4. Fear not: your privilege is great. Do I have news for you shepherds! (Luke 2:8-11). Yes, my friend, the coming of Jesus Christ to be our Savior brings great news to us as well. Do you know Him?
For today: If you aren’t sure if you know Him or not, please go to www.michaelpeck.org and click the link “Heaven.” Knowing Him makes an eternity of difference!