Advent Devotion Week 1 - Angel Wings & Halos

LUKE 1:26-28
²⁶ In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, ²⁷ to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

   
Pastor Ted shared how the word angel means messenger. They are the means through which God communicates throughout the Christmas story. They comfort, declare God’s purpose and plan, tell people that it’s time to rejoice, and warn. There are moments in each of our lives where we need that sort of messenger, or where we are called on to be that messenger. Maybe this holiday season you need a message of comfort. Perhaps you’re grieving right now. This year we’ve all experienced loss of some sort and to varying degrees. Loss of loved ones, loss of a job, loss of the life you once knew, loss of hope. Perhaps you need a reminder that there is a reason to celebrate—because Christ has come into the world. Maybe the message you need to hear is more along the lines of a reminder of God’s calling for you. Maybe you need to hear from your heavenly Father that he does have a plan, and purpose for you, or maybe the message you need is a warning. You might need to hear that there is danger if you remain  put. Like the angel's message for Joseph maybe it’s time to wake up, get up, move from where you’re at.

            Not only do we each need to hear one of these messages, but we get to also be someone who brings these messages to others. We each know someone who could use a message of comfort right now, “Fear not!” (Luke 2:10). There are individuals that need the encouragement that comes from the reminder that Christ is in the world, and there are still reasons to praise God. “Glory to God in the Highest (Luke 2:14). We can remind people that God has plans for them, and they will not have to go it alone. “The Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28). There are other times where we are the voice of warning, that wakes people from being asleep to the danger that’s far too close to them. Get up! (Matthew 2:13).

• Which of these messages are you the most in need of this Christmas? Comfort, reminder of God’s plan and purpose for you, or a warning?

• Who in your life do you think God is calling you to be a messenger to? Which message do you think you should share with them?