00:00Day 1 Angel of the Lord
00:08Reflection Oh, to be a messenger of God like the angel
00:13Gabriel, a bearer of good news to a world that so desperately needs it. Did you know
00:19that Gabriel is one of only three angels mentioned by name in the Bible? One is a messenger,
00:25Gabriel. One is a warrior, Michael the archangel. And one is a deceiver, Lucifer. The angel
00:33Gabriel, whose name means, God is great and strong man of God, is mentioned three times
00:39in the Bible. First, he delivers a message from God to the prophet Daniel to explain a
00:46vision. Next, he informs the priest Zechariah about the upcoming birth of his son, John
00:52the Baptist. And then finally, he appears to the Virgin Mary to tell her that she would
00:58conceive and bear a son, Jesus, who would be great and called the Son of the Most High.
01:04The Gospel of Luke even refers to Gabriel as the Angel of the Lord in Luke 1 verse 19,
01:10when he tells Zechariah, I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God. And although he isn't
01:17mentioned by name, some theologians believe it was Gabriel who announced the birth of Jesus
01:23to the shepherds in our scripture quote above, bringing good news for all people. Good news
01:29indeed. The beginning of the Gospel on earth. Which is why I believe that Gabriel is so very
01:35important to the Christmas story, an angel charged with delivering good news to mankind that a Savior
01:42has come. A true, messenger of God. Just like us, Jesus said, go into all the world and preach the
01:51Gospel to all creation. And so, this Christmas, I don't want to just revel in the joy of the season
01:58with its twinkling lights and glittering trees, hallmark movies and beautifully wrapped gift. No,
02:05I want to be a messenger of God too, just like Gabriel. I want to follow his example to proclaim
02:11not only the birth of our Savior, but the good news that Jesus has set us free from sin and the world
02:18of darkness to usher us into his glorious light. The true light of the world, who illuminates our
02:24lives, and those with whom we share the message of Christmas, brighter and more dazzling than Gabriel's
02:31sky over Bethlehem, blazing with a host of angels. During this holiday season, there are many ways we
02:38can share the true message of Christmas. Anything from delivering home-baked cookies to an elderly
02:44neighbor or shut-in and spending time with them, to looking past the hustle-bustle of our own stress
02:50to those who just might need a gentle smile. You know, someone you glance at in a crowded store?
02:57Or a weary-looking traveler in the car next to yours, mired in traffic? Or even that harried
03:03waitress in a busy restaurant teeming with Christmas parties and fun? I pray that in each
03:09and every situation of stress and potential selfishness we may encounter this season,
03:14God will give us the grace and strength to say no to sin and yes to being a messenger of His love.
03:21A love that is truly the essence of Christmas.
03:24Discuss.
03:25During this often hectic season, what are some ways we can be messengers of God,
03:30countering our own frustrations by dispensing kindness and sensitivity instead?
03:36What are ways and traditions you've embraced the true message of Christmas in your own life
03:41and family? Pray.
03:44Dear Lord, like Gabriel, I long to be a messenger of Your love and good news to a world that needs
03:50it as much as I do, so please show me ways I can bless others this season.
03:55Holy Spirit, put a guard over my heart, mouth, and emotions so stress and temper cannot have
04:02its way with me during this, the holiest of holidays. And most of all, sweet Jesus,
04:08help me to keep You at the center of Christmas so Your love can sparkle and shine within me to
04:13reveal the true light of the world.
