There are people today who plan to celebrate Christmas without any understanding of the events surrounding the holiday. There are those who have heard that Christ’s birth is the “reason for the season,” but lack understanding of its importance. Without the birth of the Christ child, Christmas has no meaning.
The Christmas story tells of God becoming an infant. The baby born to Mary was the Son of God who took on human flesh. This reality becomes even more remarkable when we learn the Bible predicted this birth more than 700 years before it occurred through the prophet Isaiah.
IRS Images, 2025
During Isaiah’s time, King Ahaz ruled Judah while facing military threats. God sent Isaiah to comfort the king and invited him to ask for any sign as proof of divine protection. When Ahaz refused using pious-sounding language, Isaiah delivered this prophecy: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.” Matthew’s Gospel confirms this prophecy refers to Jesus, explaining that Emmanuel means God with us. Let’s look at three things this says about Christ’s birth.
First, Jesus was born as a real human to a real virgin. Though supernaturally conceived, He experienced normal childbirth. Jesus became human because our Saviour had to be a man. Since Adam’s first sin, humanity has needed a saviour because sin separates us from God. We cannot meet God’s requirements on our own. Jesus shared in our flesh and blood to make payment for human sin. Because He was born of a virgin, He did not inherit our sin or guilt, qualifying Him to represent His people. His life and death were not for Himself but for us.
Second, Jesus was born as true God. The virgin would call His name Emmanuel, meaning God with us. Isaiah also prophesied the child would be called “Mighty God.” This belief that Jesus Christ is God in flesh forms a foundation of Christianity. God became man. The divine Son became a helpless human baby. This was no illusion. The more you consider it, the more remarkable it becomes.
O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Third, Jesus was born as God with us. Throughout the Old Testament, God was with His people. But through Christ’s birth, God is with His people in an unprecedented way. The birth of Jesus is the birth of God in flesh with us forever. Jesus entered our experience by becoming one of us. He experienced hunger, pain, joy, heartache, and temptation. As God in flesh, Jesus brought God fully into our experience.
Hebrews declares, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin.” Put your faith in the Son of God who became a man, and God will be with you and for you.
We should be encouraged by Christ’s gentleness. He came as a helpless baby with humility so we might be reconciled to God through Him. If you have never trusted Christ, take God at His word and trust Christ as your Lord. God gave up His Son, who became one of us to live, die, and rise for us so He will forever be with us. In Jesus Christ, you have been rescued forever. God is with you forever.
A well-known name in southern gospel music has found a new home. Adina Bowman, a songwriter whose work is often cited as a favourite by artists, has signed an exclusive agreement with Daywind Music Publishing.
Bowman’s songs have been recorded by some of the biggest names in southern gospel music. The Collingsworth Family, Nelons, Inspirations, and Tribute Quartet are among the many artists who have performed her work.
Bowman expressed her enthusiasm about the new partnership. “I am truly honored and grateful to join the Daywind Music Publishing family,” Bowman said. “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to create music that will encourage and reach people where they are, and I am very much looking forward to working with Rick Shelton and this incredible team.”
Rick Shelton, who serves as vice-president of Daywind Music Publishing, welcomed the addition. “We are delighted to welcome Adina to our songwriting roster,” Shelton said. “Her talent speaks for itself, but it’s her gracious, Christian spirit that makes her such a natural fit for our creative community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to champion her songs and help place them in the hands of artists and ultimately in the hearts of their audiences.”
The signing comes at the end of a successful year for Daywind Music Publishing. The company’s writers have celebrated eight number-one songs on the Singing News monthly charts this year. Bowman’s move to Daywind marks a new chapter for a songwriter who has already made a significant impact on southern gospel music.
After four centuries of silence, heaven finally spoke again. For 400 years, no prophetic voice had been heard in Israel since the close of the Old Testament. Then God broke the silence with announcements that would prepare the way for the promised Messiah.
The Apostle Paul, IRS Images, 2025
The apostle Paul described this moment when he wrote about Christ, who existed in the form of God yet chose not to cling to His divine status. Instead, He emptied Himself and took on the nature of a servant, becoming fully human and demonstrating complete humility and obedience, even to death on a cross.
Throughout the Hebrew scriptures, promises had pointed toward this coming deliverer. The Messiah would offer His life as payment to satisfy God’s requirement that sin must be answered with sacrifice. Early followers of Christ (Around 335 AD) set aside December 25th to commemorate His birth, though the actual date remains unknown. The church established this winter date and began observing the four weeks leading up to Christmas as a time of spiritual preparation.
This season carries special importance today. The world focuses almost entirely on decorations, entertainment, and gift-giving, while very few pause to consider that Christmas marks the birth of Christ Himself. Taking time to prepare our hearts helps us celebrate the true meaning behind the season.
The word “advent” speaks of arrival and appearance. It points to the coming of the Messiah whose arrival the ancient prophets foretold. Isaiah wrote that a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son named Emmanuel. He prophesied that a child would be born whose shoulders would carry the weight of government, called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Micah specified that this ruler would come from Bethlehem, though it was among the smallest towns in Judah.
Go, tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere. Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born.
The New Testament writers confirmed these prophecies. Matthew recorded that Mary was found to be carrying a child through the Holy Spirit before she and Joseph came together. Luke wrote of shepherds watching their flocks when a messenger appeared, announcing that a Savior had been born in David’s city. John wrote that in the beginning, the Word already existed with God and was God, and everything came into being through Him.
Three major announcements marked the beginning of this new era. First came the announcement to a priest named Zachariah that he and his wife would have a son who would prepare people for the Messiah’s arrival. Second came the announcement to Mary that she would carry the Son of God. Third came the announcement to shepherds that a Savior had been born.
Consider the people who received these announcements. Zachariah was a humble priest of no great prominence. Mary was a humble young woman of no reputation. The shepherds ranked among the lowest in society. They were uneducated, overlooked, dismissed as nobodies. Yet the messenger came to them.
During the reign of Herod, king of Judea, there lived a priest named Zachariah from the division of Abijah. His wife Elizabeth also came from a priestly line. Both were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments. Yet they had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and both were now very old.
Being childless carried a heavy burden in their culture because people viewed it as punishment from God for hidden sin. But God saw them differently. He saw that they were both righteous, walking in His commandments, living blamelessly. People judge by outward appearances, but God looks at the heart.
God uses humble people who recognize their place before Him, who acknowledge their own sinfulness, who have turned from their sins and placed their trust in Christ. They are righteous not through their own righteousness but through Christ’s righteousness credited to them, and they walk daily in obedience to God’s word.
While Zachariah was faithfully serving in the temple, chosen by lot to burn incense, a messenger from God appeared to him at the right side of the incense altar. When Zachariah saw him, he was startled and overcome with fear. This messenger was Gabriel, who often appears in scripture to make important announcements.
Gabriel told Zachariah not to be afraid, for his prayer had been heard. His wife Elizabeth would bear a son, and they were to name him John. He would bring joy and gladness to them. He would be great in God’s sight, filled with the Holy Spirit even before birth. He would bring many Israelites back to God and go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, preparing a people ready for the Lord.
Zachariah and Elizabeth had prayed for years that God would give them a child. By this point, they had likely stopped praying because they had reached old age and childbearing was impossible. But God remembered their prayer even though they had forgotten it. Believers should never think God forgets their prayers. He remembers them even when they have been forgotten, and often answers them much later.
God’s timing is always perfect. He ordained that a child should be born to them in their old age, a child who would be a messenger announcing the arrival of Jesus. This child had to be born around the same time as Jesus to be the right age to announce His coming.
But Zachariah doubted. He said to the messenger, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is very old.” Too often believers offer prayers without really believing God will answer. This is unbelieving prayer. When Zachariah expressed doubt, there were consequences. The messenger answered, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this happens.”
When Zachariah came out of the temple, he could not speak. The people realized he had seen a vision because he kept making signs to them but remained speechless. He finished his week of service, then returned home to Elizabeth, still unable to tell her the amazing things he had heard.
The Bible teaches that God disciplines those He loves. Though Zachariah was righteous and obedient, he still failed to trust God. He was silenced until the day God’s promise came to pass. He would have been so excited to tell his wife that in their old age they would have a son, but God closed his mouth. He could not do the very thing he most wanted to do.
But this did not stop God from doing what He had promised. Even though His servant had been disobedient, God did not withdraw His promise. After those days, Elizabeth conceived and remained in seclusion for five months. When Elizabeth realized she had conceived, she kept herself hidden. She wanted to be certain of her pregnancy before appearing publicly.
She and Zachariah rejoiced just as Gabriel had said they would. Elizabeth particularly rejoiced because God took away her disgrace. For years she had been the subject of jokes and accusations. Now she would have a child—not just any child, but a special child who would be a messenger preparing people for the arrival of the Messiah.
This was the first announcement after 400 years of complete silence from God. God had now spoken, and His Son was about to enter the world. But first, the messenger had to be born. God does not forget His people or their prayers. When believers serve Him faithfully, that is often when He speaks most clearly.
A major international bus company has warned passengers about new items that are no longer allowed to enter Nicaragua, according to a report from CentroAmerica360. These rules come from instructions given by Nicaraguan authorities to transportation companies working across the region.
Along with items that have long been restricted, such as guns, knives, and food that can spoil, the list now includes drones, magazines, printed newspapers, and Bibles. This change has caused worry among travellers and groups that follow human rights conditions in the country.
Notices explaining the rules were posted at bus terminals in Costa Rica, where trips to Managua begin. The company said it is required to follow the rules shared by Nicaraguan officials. Staff at the terminals have been told to stop passengers who are carrying banned items or prevent them from boarding.
The restriction on Bibles has drawn special attention. While religious activity has faced growing limits in recent years, there has been no earlier case of sacred texts being blocked at the border. Many see this as a new step in the control of religious life.
Since 2018, religious freedom in Nicaragua has steadily weakened. Many Catholic priests have been arrested, sent into exile, or kept under close watch. Religious orders and groups have been forced to leave the country. Church leaders have reported that schools, care homes, radio stations, and other church services have been taken over or closed. Church bank accounts have also been shut down.
Evangelical churches have faced pressure as well. Several leaders have been arrested on claims of plotting against the state or mishandling funds. Churches and faith-based groups involved in community support have been closed or placed under government control.
The bus company did not explain the exact laws behind the new rules, but confirmed they were officially delivered by authorities. Passengers have shared concern about how wide these limits are, especially when it comes to printed material and religious items.
In earlier actions, the government banned professional cameras and filming tools. Travellers’ social media accounts have been checked, and content creators and journalists have been denied entry. These steps add to fears about tighter control over information and belief.
Luke wrote his gospel account with great care as a historian. God inspired him to record these events with accuracy and detail. The angel Gabriel appears in this narrative, the same heavenly messenger who spoke to the prophet Daniel in the Old Testament. Gabriel looked like a man in appearance, though he was clearly not human based on how he appeared and departed.
The priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were righteous people who followed God’s commandments. However, they had no children because Elizabeth could not bear children, and both were now advanced in years. The culture of that time wrongly believed that childlessness meant God was judging a person. This explains why Elizabeth felt shame about her situation. When she later became pregnant, she said God had taken away her disgrace among the people.
Mary and Elizabeth, IRS Images, 2025
Elizabeth was likely in her sixties while Mary was probably only a teenager, around fourteen or fifteen years old. Girls were often promised in marriage at this young age in that culture. The age gap between these two women was significant, with Elizabeth old enough to be Mary’s grandmother. God was preparing to work two miracles through these women from very different stages of life.
Gabriel told Mary to rejoice because she was highly favored. God was with her. Mary felt troubled by these words and wondered what this greeting meant. The angel told her not to fear because she had found favor with God. She would become pregnant and give birth to a son named Jesus. He would be great and called the Son of the Highest. God would give him the throne of his ancestor David, and his kingdom would never end.
Mary asked a logical question about how this could happen since she had not been with a man. Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of God would overshadow her. The child born would be holy and called the Son of God. As proof that nothing was impossible for God, Gabriel told Mary that her relative Elizabeth had also become pregnant in her old age. Elizabeth was now six months along, even though people had called her unable to have children.
Mary submitted to God’s plan. She called herself the servant of the Lord and said let it happen according to God’s word. The angel then left her. Mary’s response showed faith and courage. She accepted what seemed impossible.
Joseph had to receive his own message from an angel in a dream, as Matthew’s gospel records. Without this divine message, Joseph would have assumed the worst about Mary’s pregnancy. He was a just man who planned to end the betrothal quietly to avoid bringing shame on Mary. The angel told him not to fear taking Mary as his wife. Joseph was not royalty in appearance, but royal blood from David’s line flowed through him. Jesus became legally his firstborn son with all the rights that came with that position, even though Joseph’s blood did not flow in Jesus.
Mary traveled quickly from Nazareth to an unnamed city in the hill country of Judea, probably a journey of two or three days. She went to visit Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby inside her moved suddenly. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She spoke loudly, saying Mary was blessed among women and the child in her womb was blessed. Elizabeth wondered why the mother of her Lord would come visit her. She said that when she heard Mary’s voice, the baby in her womb jumped for joy.
John was filled with the Holy Spirit even before birth. His movement in the womb was his first act of prophecy, recognizing the holy child that Mary carried. John’s entire purpose would be to point people toward Jesus as the promised rescuer. Even before his birth, he was already doing this work. His ministry began three months before he entered the world.
Elizabeth called Mary blessed because she believed what the Lord had told her. Both women carried miracle babies. Elizabeth gave birth to the last prophet of the old way, while Mary carried the one all those prophets had spoken about. The one who would bring in God’s kingdom. John would announce that people should turn from their sins because God’s kingdom was near. Jesus would declare that the kingdom of God had arrived and was among them.
These two women could encourage each other in what God had done for them and for all people. They shared faith in God’s promises. This same kind of mutual encouragement happens in churches today. Believers share common faith in what God has revealed, common experience of new life through Jesus, and common hope in God’s promises.
A blessed person is someone who knows God’s favor on their life. This favor only comes through trusting in Jesus and what he accomplished through his death. God is pleased with his son and pleased with all who trust in him for forgiveness of sins. Mary herself needed this savior, as she would later acknowledge. She was honored to bear the one who would save her and all who believe.
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