Luke 1:37 says it all: “For nothing is impossible with God.” Time and again as Luke recounts the birth of the Messiah, those involved simply could not believe what was happening.
The words of this telling verse were spoken by the angel, Gabriel, reminding us that God performs miracles. Indeed, the events leading up to the birth of Jesus should cause us to ask a very important question. What seemingly impossible blessing is God bringing about in our lives today?
What the Bible says …
Two impossible scenarios come to light amidst the events leading up to Christ’s birth. First, Zechariah and Elizabeth are promised a son, to be born to parents who were way beyond child-bearing years. Second, a relative of Elizabeth, Mary, is informed she will give birth to the Son of God. She rightly questions this information. She was engaged (going through the steps of marriage) to Joseph and states the obvious to the angel: “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34).
In the midst of these seemingly impossible situations, the angel announces the following: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (v. 35). The Gospel of Matthew (1:23) states this reference to the Virgin Birth as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).
Mary could have reacted with cynical unbelief. She could have simply ignored the message of the angel. Note her faithful response: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).
She recounts the blessings in her life in what has been called “The Song of Mary” (vv. 46-55). Her prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God are a reflection of her belief in the power of God to do the impossible. Compare this passage with the Song of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1-10).
The situations expressed in these verses are presented as having already come to pass, even though the promised Messiah was yet to be born. For Mary, trusting God meant she could count on the reality of his promises.
Verses 51-53 picture the work of the Messiah as cutting against the grain of society’s expectations. He brought down rulers from their thrones, but lifted up the humble. He took care of the poor and stripped away the wealth of the rich.
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What the Bible means to me today …
Do we trust God to do the impossible in our day? If the message of Christmas tells us anything, it proclaims God really is with us and cares about us. We must be in tune with “God’s impossible” work among us if Christmas 2009 is going to be life-changing.
Look for the following situations and when you spot one, pray for God to use you to help someone who is hurting. Such service to others will help calm your own fears and anxieties.
Look for someone who sees the holidays as hollow. Some folks hope they simply can endure this time of year. Such people are not far from God or rebellious, but simply overwhelmed by times past and the grief that accompanies loss. Perhaps this is where you find yourself this year? If so, think about Elizabeth and Mary. They had to endure gossip and the attitudes of people who stood in judgment of their lives. They persevered because they trusted God to do the impossible.
Look for the obvious touch of God in not so obvious places and ways. God’s ways are not our ways. If we desire to be great is his kingdom, we must be servants. If we desire to be first, we must go to the back of the line. He said if we want to live, we must die.
The very circumstances of Christmas reflect God’s mysterious ways. The King of Kings was born in a stable, not a castle. The Savior of the world entered Jerusalem the last week of his earthly life, not on a charger stallion with sword in hand, but riding on a donkey, a simple beast of burden.
Jesus’ own family doubted his sincerity and mission (John 7:5), but take a look at Acts 1:14: “These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Once again, God does the impossible, changing the hearts of people.
The hype we bring to Christmas and the irresponsible expenses we saddle ourselves with are obvious. The not-so-obvious experience may be a more simple celebration of Christmas: Caroling to homebound folks. Teaching our children the true meaning of Christmas by providing gifts for them that do not come with a hefty price tag when the credit card statement arrives. Reading Luke 2:1-20 more than once during the season. Sound impossible? Take time now to pray Mary’s Song—thanking God in advance for doing the impossible in our lives.
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