Miracle Births!

Two women, one very young, the other very old, are both surprised with news of their impending motherhood. One was barren, advanced in years and had given up the hope of bearing children. The other was a virtuous young girl who was only recently engaged to be married. Within six months of each other both were found to be expecting a child.

Both infants were announced and named by the angel Gabriel. Both were given a prophetic destiny. The first, born to Elizabeth, would be named John. He would cause many in Israel to repent and prepare them for the coming of the Lord. The second child, born to a virgin named Mary, would be called Jesus. His destiny was to be the savior of all mankind, the Son of the Highest, and to reign over the house of Jacob without end.

When God moves to enact his purpose He does so with dramatic power and in surprising ways. He specializes in impossibilities. Elizabeth was barren and old, yet God caused her to be fertile in her late life. Mary was a virgin and knew conception was impossible, but the Spirit overshadowed her womb and she was pregnant with a child. Zacharias, the husband of Elizabeth, was left speechless until John was born and named by the writing of his hand. Joseph, the fiancé of Mary, was troubled by the apparent infidelity of his intended bride until he too was visited by an angel in a dream assuring him this was the work of God.

The miracles at the advent of Christ bring an awareness of destiny to the season. We are not left alone, adrift in time without reason. A divine plan is yet unfolding to fulfill God’s glorious purpose in mankind and prepare believers for its continuation in eternity. Jesus is still “God with us” and his plan is still to “save His people from their sins.”

The miracles of Christmas did not cease with Christ’s conception and birth. They continue today fulfilling God’s plan in you and me. Another miracle occurs every time another one is born again of the water and the Spirit!