The Power and Wonder of Jesus’ Birth

Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.  And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  -Luke 1:39-41 (NKJV) 

I recall the three times that Andrea was pregnant that she maintained a wonderful attitude.  There were times when she was thoughtful and introspective, and other times she was joyful and glowing.  One aspect of the experience that never lost its wonder was when the baby would move inside her.  No matter how she felt or what kind of mood she was in, this always made her smile.  Many times she would say, “Dan, hurry; the baby is moving.” I would then place my hand on her stomach and feel our son kicking and moving within her.  I also could not get over the miracle of that life which was growing within her and I never tired of this happening.  I have no trouble believing that an expecting Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, was filled with the power of God when her baby moved within her. 

The Bible says that when Mary greeted Elizabeth that the baby in Elizabeth’s womb heard her voice and literally leaped for joy.  As a result, Elizabeth spoke a prophetic word of confirmation that the baby Mary was carrying was a fulfillment of the promise of God.  Here were two women, both of them carrying sons.  One would proclaim the coming of the Messiah.  The other was that promised Messiah, the Son of God, the long expected King of Kings, and Lord of Lords whose coming had been foretold by the prophets of old.  When these women met one another it was inevitable that a powerful movement of God’s Spirit would occur.  

Who would have thought that two seemingly insignificant women would play such vital roles in the will of God coming to pass among mankind?  But that is the way God does His will; He chooses the very people most of us would have disregarded as worthy of such divine work.  God reveals great truths to those who humbly seek Him, but those who think they are wise will not recognize them (Matthew 11:25).  When we are faithful and open to God’s will He will move and work in our hearts, which empowers us to accomplish His divine purposes. 

Throughout this Christmas season let us discover anew the wonder and power of the birth of the Lord Jesus.  Christ has come, and we rejoice that salvation is ours through Him. 

Blessed be the name of the Lord!