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Gabriel's Christmas Glad Tidings

(Luke 1: 19)  “And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.” The angel Gabriel was a special messenger from God to give “glad tidings” to all who rejoiced at the coming of Jesus Christ. “Glad tidings,” meaning he was sent to announce the great and glad gospel story, and each person in God’s gospel’s story tells us something about the Christmas story. 1)“Zacharias,” the father of John the Baptist, his name means “The Lord remembers his oath.” Through Zacharias, God’s promise to Israel was sent  not just in Jesus Christ (Messiah), but also through John who would come in the Spirit and power of Elijah to prepare Israel to receive him. 2) Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Her name means “Consecrated to God.” Through Elizabeth the Lord remembered Israel, by sending John to those who are the consecrated of God. In the Christmas story, Elizabeth and Zacharias also gave John back to God, in consecration. 3) John the Baptist, his name means “The Lord is gracious.” Answering the prayer of Elizabeth and Zacharias in their old age was a very gracious act by God, but John was also a very gracious act of God in that he prepared Israel to receive Jesus. 4) Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her name means “gift.” Mary was indeed the bearer of God’s gift to the world. 5) Joseph, Mary’s husband. His name means “He will add.” Just as Zacharias and Elizabeth were descendants of Moses and Aaron, Joseph and Mary were descendants of the kingly line of David. Jesus was added to this lineage. 6) Jesus, his name means “Savior.” He therefore is a prophet, priest, and King.

 

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