Advent begins today. It is a special time for us in our family and as Christians as we remember the beginning of Jesus coming to us on earth: how He was a sweet baby boy, grew in wisdom so rapidly, and became an honorable God-man, Redeemer of Humanity, and Son of both man and God. As I read the study of His birth and the circumstances surrounding it this morning in two books of the Bible, I was struck by several repeating themes: one was how people were filled with the Holy Spirit, and two, how Jesus was said to have been filled with God Himself.
I was so fascinated by the story of conception. Mary was told, before she would conceive, that she would be blessed and favored for all time—that the Holy Spirit would provide her with a child. She would be filled with the Holy Spirit and conceive a boy child, the Redeemer.
When John the Baptist’s father was told, while serving in the tabernacle, that they would have a child, he said, “How is this possible? We are too old.” Gabriel said, “This is true, but since you doubt God, you will remain mute.” They did conceive a boy child after Gabriel’s announcement. At the naming of John, Zachariah’s voice returned. When the angel appeared to Joseph (also Gabriel), there was first fear and then certainty to marry.
The Holy Spirit provided not only confirmation of future events, but in each case, these blessed individuals were filled with the Holy Spirit, and conception was through the Holy Spirit as well. This is the first time I have read the story where I see the distinction of Jesus being filled with God, uniquely different from all the other blessings given to those in the story of His holy birth.
The angel at this time, chosen as the direct messenger from God, is Gabriel. So much was perfectly planned, and rereading this story gives me a new perspective as to all those who were set in place to support and confirm the holiness and truth of Christ Jesus as the one long awaited, fulfilling the ancient prophecies.
Wishing you a blessed week.
