Zechariah, a priest, and his wife Elizabeth were a childless couple praying for a child for a long time. Gabriel, the Angel, appeared to Zechariah one day and informed him that his prayers had been heard. God had chosen him and Elizabeth to bear a son who would be the forerunner of the coming Messiah. He was known as John the Baptist. Mary and Elizabeth are cousins. When Mary received the supernatural visitation, the angel informed her about Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Six months before Jesus was born, Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist. Mary could not tell anyone about her pregnancy despite the divine aspect of God’s blessing. Even if she had communicated, no one would have understood the magnitude and scope of her experience. Instead, everyone would have doubted her. But Mary desperately needed a friend to share the news of her pregnancy and God’s purpose for it. She required a secure space to express both her excitement and her vulnerability and to receive the needed support and encouragement to bear the child until the day of delivery. So, when the angel told Mary about Elizabeth, she was overjoyed and rushed to meet Elizabeth. For three months, she stayed with Elizabeth. Elizabeth could have supported Mary tremendously, especially in the early stages of her pregnancy. Being pregnant at the same time was another common experience for them to share, discuss and support one another. Such fellowships are essential in everyone’s life. A godly friend or family member with whom you can confidently communicate all of your ups and downs. A secure setting where you can be vulnerable while being supported to be enlightened and developed in the Lord is extremely vital. Do you have someone to fill this position? We should be part of such Godly fellowships, where people who will be one in spirit with us can grasp what the Lord has placed on our hearts and support us in all possible ways.Don’t be alone. Develop a relationship with a Christian friend or a fellowship for support and fortitude. If you don’t have one, pray to God for one. As the angel showed to Mary, He will provide us with Godly fellowships to share our feelings and be comforted and encouraged today.
? CHRISTMAS ? Devotional - Day 03
“Zechariah, a priest, and his wife Elizabeth were a childless couple praying for a child for a long time. Gabriel, the Angel, appeared to Zechariah one day and informed him that his prayers had been heard. God had chosen him and Elizabeth to bear a son who would be the forerunner of the coming Messiah. He was known as John the Baptist. Mary and Elizabeth are cousins. When Mary received the supernatural visitation, the angel informed her about Elizabeth's pregnancy. Six months before Jesus was born, Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist. Mary could not tell anyone about her pregnancy despite the divine aspect of God's blessing. Even if she had communicated, no one would have understood the magnitude and scope of her experience. Instead, everyone would have doubted her. But Mary desperately needed a friend to share the news of her pregnancy and God's purpose for it. She required a secure space to express both her excitement and her vulnerability and to receive the needed support and encouragement to bear the child until the day of delivery. So, when the angel told Mary about Elizabeth, she was overjoyed and rushed to meet Elizabeth. For three months, she stayed with Elizabeth. Elizabeth could have supported Mary tremendously, especially in the early stages of her pregnancy. Being pregnant at the same time was another common experience for them to share, discuss and support one another. Such fellowships are essential in everyone's life. A godly friend or family member with whom you can confidently communicate all of your ups and downs. A secure setting where you can be vulnerable while being supported to be enlightened and developed in the Lord is extremely vital. Do you have someone to fill this position? We should be part of such Godly fellowships, where people who will be one in spirit with us can grasp what the Lord has placed on our hearts and support us in all possible ways.Don't be alone. Develop a relationship with a Christian friend or a fellowship for support and fortitude. If you don't have one, pray to God for one. As the angel showed to Mary, He will provide us with Godly fellowships to share our feelings and be comforted and encouraged today”
Word of Hope