Centuries ago, long before the invention of the ultrasound, a young girl from the small town of

Nazareth (population less than 200), was told she was going to have a baby boy. There was no

big gender reveal for family and friends – not even the one to whom she was betrothed was

present for the announcement. Only two people are pictured in this poignant scene: the young

girl and an angel named Gabriel, who brought her this message:

“… you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him

Jesus.” (Luke 1:31)

Not only was she going to have a baby boy, but she was also told what to name the child:

Jesus. So, there would be no family meetings to bat around some suggestions for a name; it

was already predetermined, not by Gabriel, but by God Himself, the true Father of this child.

The name was derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua, which means “Yahweh saves” or “God

is salvation” – a name that had a special depth of meaning for the Hebrew people who had long

been awaiting the arrival of the Messiah.

Many new parents look at that first ultrasound and try to imagine the future for their child – a

future filled with hope and possibility. But it is only a dream at that time – the future Is unknown.

But for the young girl named Mary, the angel Gabriel described the future for her child:

“He will be great and eminent and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord

God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of

Jacob (Israel) forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end.” (Luke 1:32-33 Amp).

Can you imagine hearing those words about the importance of the life of the son you have been

entrusted to raise? Can you hear yourself asking, “And how on earth am I supposed to mother

such a special little guy – who isn’t just important to our little family, but important for all of

humanity for all eternity?”

Overwhelmed? Me too! As we revisit the foretelling of the birth of Jesus, allow yourself to be

overwhelmed by the precious gift of our Savior – overwhelmed with joy, with gratitude, with

hope, and with peace.

By Judy Shrout

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Christmas for Christ is our annual missions offering. This year’s goal is $220,000. These funds will help support missions right here in Lexington as well as missions all over the world. This offering was founded on the premise of giving our first and best gift to Jesus. Please consider giving over and above your normal tithe to support missions at Immanuel.