Ellen Chauvin | Soaked & Sprouting

Soaked in God's Word, Sprouting Seeds of Faith

Standing in the Presence of God

by 4 Comments

Today’s reading: Luke 1:18-19, 26-30

In the story of Jesus’ birth, the angel Gabriel bursts into the lives of two ordinary people: Zechariah and Mary. He had earth-shattering news for both of them:

Zechariah would become a father in his old age. His son John would prepare the way for the Lord.

Mary would become mother to the Messiah, even though she was a virgin.

This news was enough to change the course of Zechariah and Mary’s lives. But how can the things Gabriel said change the way we anticipate Christ’s birth? It’s simple, really.

Gabriel tells both Zechariah and Mary “Do not be afraid” (vv 13, 30). Fear may grip you during this season. Perhaps this is your first Christmas without a loved one. Maybe you can’t imagine how you will purchase simple gifts for your children or family. Maybe, you just can’t muster up the joy that should envelope you at Christmas. Don’t be afraid. Have no fear. Fear not.

How?

Stand in the presence of God.

“Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was He who sent me to bring you this good news!” Luke 1:19 (NLT)

Gabriel stands in the presence of God. As we approach the birth of our Savior, finding time to stand in His presence may seem impossible. But spending time with God is the only way to find joy and peace during this busy season.  

Our time with Jesus doesn’t have to be only first in the morning, as we begin our day. 

We can take God’s presence with us throughout the day.

When God’s presence goes with us, we will find rest (Exodus 33:14). And everybody can use a little rest during Christmas, amen?

Points to ponder:

*Take God’s Word (and his presence) with you during the day. Memorize a favorite verse. Repeat it often during the day.

*Give the gift of God’s Word. Buy a small gift Bible and give it anonymously.Standing in the presence of God

Mary Christmas, Part 3: Mary, mother of Jesus

by Leave a Comment

Luke 2:8-19 (NASB)

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

It was such an ordinary birth, for such an extra-ordinary child…in a stable, no less! His first bed is a feeding trough! My son. My sweet little baby boy. His ten little toes and ten little fingers, and His perfect little mouth, take my breath away. He’s MY SON, and yet – the Son of God! This tiny baby boy that I gave birth to, is the Son of God. It’s a miracle! HE is a miracle.

I could hardly believe what the angel Gabriel told me: that I had found favor with God; that I would conceive and give birth to a son; that Joseph and I should name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. My son, the Savior of the world! How could it be?

My beautiful baby boy! He is so perfect – His beautiful baby’s smile, His sweet, soft baby skin. When He gazes at me with His wide innocent eyes, my heart melts. He wraps His little fingers around mine and clings as if for life – they way the world will cling to Him one day.

My son…Immanuel…God with us!

Are you pondering the miracle of Jesus this Christmas?

Nativity carved with Mississippi red cedar by James Buie (http://www.jamesbuie.com/); Photography by John Chauvin Flash! Photography
Nativity carved with Mississippi red cedar by James Buie (http://www.jamesbuie.com/); Photography by John Chauvin Flash! Photography