For centuries, artists have attempted to capture one of the most history-altering pregnancy announcements of all time: that moment when the angel Gabriel meets Mary of Nazareth. As you read today, take a moment to look up images of the annunciation in icons, frescoes, and stained-glass windows.
As I imagine this scene, here is Gabriel, outside in the garden or standing in the room, glowing with heavenly light. There is Mary, shrinking back in astonishment, interrupted in her chores or other daily duties. Religious art reflects the cultures and time periods that created them, but the one thing in common is those two haloed characters: a divine messenger and an ordinary girl.
Lovely as they are, what these paintings usually miss is Mary’s lived experience in first century Galilee.
Kelley Nikondeha paints a vivid picture of Mary’s world in her book The First Advent in Palestine. We may imagine the people of Israel breathlessly waiting for a Messiah, and that was true for some communities in ancient Israel. The southern kingdom, Judea, was home to Jerusalem, a city immersed in temple culture where rabbis debated the finer points of Torah and Davidic history.
But Mary was a Galilean, northern villager likely trying to survive. I imagine the people of her town practiced their faith and waited for the Messiah the way we, too, wait for Jesus to return. We hope for the new creation, but bills must be paid and meals must be made.
So imagine what it would be like for a girl from one of these humble villages to find herself at the center of an improbable announcement: “Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.” (Luke 1:31) No wonder she was so “deeply troubled” and her first reaction was a perplexed, “How can this be?” (v.34).
What if waiting with hope feels more like a smoldering ember than a blazing fire? None of us has to look far to see that the world is not as it should be. We can rage at the headlines, or we can numb out. We can deeply engage, or we can keep plodding along, trying to survive.
But what does it look like to notice where God is already here, working, announcing the kingdom to come? What if we linger in these last few days of Advent, scanning our headlines for the helpers, highlighting the glimmers of peace and hope that are already here.
Later, when Joseph, too, felt rocked by this improbable news, an angel gave him the same encouraging words Mary heard: “Don’t be afraid….She will give birth a son, and you are to name him Jesus.” (Matthew 1:20–21)
And so the story took place in unexpected places, in wombs and in dreams, in villages and in temples. God is making all things new.
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86 thoughts on "The Birth of Jesus Announced"
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Beautiful. Also, Joseph’s devotion to God and Mary/his family is so honorable and powerful.
As I went back this morning to this reading, I was struck by three truths, Mary “favored”, Joseph “rigtheous”, they both believed God and obeyed. Because Jesus was born as is written and prophesied, died and rose again, we are now favored and righteous, not of our own doing but because of what Christ has done for us!
Amen.
So beautiful!
“What if waiting with hope feels more like a smoldering ember than a blazing fire? But what does it look like to notice where God is already here, working, announcing the kingdom to come? What if we linger in these last few days of Advent, scanning our headlines for the helpers, highlighting the glimmers of peace and hope that are already here.”
These words are a goid reminder and encouragement for my heart. All the “things” are going on around us, and in our lives. But in every moment He is there. Present. Faithful. Near. His finger prints are everywhere. Thank you Father that in our waiting you are here❤️
“Don’t be afraid Glayds, He is already here.”
Wow
I can’t wait to look for the light in this world instead of letting the sun and brokenness of it bring me down! God is working, even when we can’t feel it.
Delaney McClain I couldn’t agree more !
‘God is already here, working.’ What a beautiful perspective. So much of life is spent waiting for what’s to come. While Advent is a season of waiting, it’s also a time to appreciate where we are. Even as we long for our Savior’s return, God’s goodness is already present all around us if we are willing to notice it. Merry Christmas, everyone! ♥️
Waiting for the Lords return!! Thank you for sending him to start with Heavenly Father! Amen!
Thank you for this simple prayer, Kristen – may it be my heart’s cry too!
Thank you God for sending your son. This story is so surreal and inspiring. I want to say that I would humbly receive and be open. I believe in Gods promises. I love the idea of highlighting the good that is among us rather than the rage the devil is spinning. Goodness and kindness, love and peace and grace for all. I trust in the Lord and am so thankful for this advent.
The way Jesus’ birth was announced to Mary and Joseph shows God meeting fear with comfort and inviting trust, and that brings me a lot of hope and joy ❤️
“And so the story took place in unexpected places, in wombs and in dreams, in villages and in temples. God is making all things new”. This really got my attention today. “All things NEW”. His new, not merely improved versions of the old, but something entirely transformed. His “new” can feel unfamiliar, for us because it does not always align with our expectations, habits, or sense of control. As humans, we are shaped by memory, routine, and what has worked before. We find comfort in the known, even when it is imperfect. When God introduces something new, it often disrupts our patterns and stretches our faith. What God calls new may look strange because it is not built on past experiences but on His eternal wisdom. Scripture reminds us that His ways are higher than ours. The new season He brings may not resemble what we prayed for, imagined, or prepared ourselves to receive. It may require us to release old identities, familiar securities, or long-held assumptions. In that sense, the unfamiliarity is not a sign of absence—it is evidence of His active work. This is something I struggle with. But by His constant grace and mercies, little by little, I am embracing God’s new as my new. At Christmas, we often expect familiarity, like full schedules, crowded rooms, long traditions. Sometimes, His new is not louder or fuller, but quieter and simpler. To us, this can feel strange or even uncomfortable, as though something essential is missing. But God often uses quiet to reshape our minds and re-center our hearts. In the stillness, He removes distractions that once filled our attention and gently invites us to see what truly matters. The first Christmas, when Christ entered the world quietly, without announcement or spectacle, in a humble setting that required attentiveness to recognize what God was doing. In the same way, when God changes the pace of our Christmas, He may be inviting us back to that original posture, one of humility, reflection, and awareness of His presence. God renews our thinking. He teaches us that joy is not sustained by activity, but by His nearness. A quieter Christmas can teach us peace over pressure. Leave room for God, and do not over-schedule. Easier said than done. When every space is filled, there is no margin for reflection, prayer, or rest. Ultimately, learning to say no at Christmas is learning to say yes to God. Something I am still learning.
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Prayers for dear hearts:
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ADRIENNE- for your husband’s grace and special favors for emergency eye surgery today and good recovery.
SHARON JERSEY GIRL- for softened hearts for the gospel message and what wonderful gesture to gift the baked goods.
TRICIA C- for your mother in law who is in grief and in isolation.
KELLY (NEO)- your mother to have grace and patience to go through meticulous paperwork, and strength for her and your family at this time.
MIA FAITH- ❤️ peace and comfort for your family, new joy and God’s new in your routine.
TAMI- strength and joy from above to overcome the grief, weariness, darkness. Joy to replace heaviness.
TARA B- strength for the Stewart family that God covers them in His peace and joy that surpasses all understanding.
RHONDA J- ❤️ praying over Tosha and Shalann and the jail ministry encounters with the King this Xmas in personal and miraculous ways.
SEARCHING – ❤️
CEE GEE – ❤️
ERB- thinking of you, praying blessings, good health and abundant joy over you and your family.
TINA- ❤️
Be blessed dear sisters.
I have missed you Mercy! I love what you put about the quiet at Christmas! That it is a time to draw closer to our Savior in prayer and reflection. My Christmases have always been pretty quiet, but even more since moving away from family. My husband often works on Christmas Eve and Day. But I usually just use it as time with the Lord, as I prefer that rather than doing holiday traditions.
I think for our ladies there, they will realize that it might just be a time for them as well to focus in on the Lord this Christmas unlike any time in their past, and that that is in fact a beautiful lesson. I hope to convey that on Wednesday being the last week of Advent and the birth now upon us! I hope that our classes amplified that. I want to carry on with the theme of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love into the new year and how that should change our focus and how we face and react in all circumstances (especially theirs).
Lots of love to you and your family friend!
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This is so true and convicting. We yearn for familiarity but God calls us to arise and shine, and this will look different in different seasons. Sometimes, we do need that quietness so that we make sure that we hear Him.
May we all have the courage of Mary. And may we all trust in God as Joseph did.
As Sharon said, I too want to be in the waiting. To be conscience that God could come at any moment.
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Kristy, I loved what you posted!
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Thank you for all your prayers! I can’t seem to get the reply to work.
Happy Monday! Praying for you all
Hi Miss Kimberly Z!! Love to you!
There are many of us who will be without loved ones for the first time this year. My husband lost his dad on Valentine’s Day. My mother-in-law keeps to herself, so I don’t really know how she’s feeling. I’m praying for those who find themselves in that circumstance.
Blessed Monday to you ladies. ❤️
Thank you Tricia. I think the holidays become that much harder without those you love. It’s just so different.
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Tricia, I’m praying for your MIL and all of us that are missing someone this Christmas. ❤️
Starting my day looking for
The helpers, how God is working right now. What a perspective shift! Thank you!
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My post disappeared… if it shows up twice… I am sorry.
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Hubby does indeed need eye surgery. At his follow-up appointment earlier, they set up a referral for a retina specialist in the KC area (1.5 hours from home). Please pray that they can do the surgery today and that he recovers well. Thanks, sweet sisters.
(Another) prayer request… Hubby will indeed need eye surgery. We had his follow-up appointment this am and have been referred to a retina specialist later today in the KC metro area (about 1.5 hours away). Our eye doc was hopeful that they might be able to work the surgery in today. Please pray that they can, and that recovery is good. The appointment is at 2:15, Central. Thanks, sweet sisters.
Please keep us posted
Thank you for this reminder to slow down and look for the good and you being present in the day them the hostility and darkness of the world
Sisters, I forgot to mention a prayer request – I have six people that work at my grocery store that I regularly bake breads for at Thanksgiving and cookies for at Christmas. Tomorrow I will deliver my cookies to them, but this year I plan to include a Christmas card & letter explaining the meaning of Christmas & give them the gospel.
Please pray they will have ears to hear, that they will read the whole letter and that God will move in their hearts…and that it doesn’t “scare them away” because I mentioned Jesus.
Thank you in advance!
Beautiful Sharon. Brings tears to my eyes, this is Christmas. Praying they realize this is the most loving and important gift they receive.
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Wonderful!! I believe that IS indeed the most important thing to share, and that the cookies are the bonus!!
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Prayers for those ears to hear!! Bless your sweet heart!
Our church has multiple Christmas candlelight services. We always go on Christmas Eve but this year they made it earlier for our staff w young children and we couldn’t make that. So we went last night. I was a little bummed as it’s such a big part of our Christmas Eve tradition but I’m so glad. That I will be able to bask in what God did for me last night leading up until Christmas, I can’t really put into words. My favorite part of the year, as people light each others candle, and sing O Holy Night with all of our off tune voices without instruments. It feels like a glimpse of heaven. Last year my dad was there, this year he wasn’t. And although this Christmas season has been hard, it has never felt more real and beautiful to me. The Christmas story. The gospel. The perfect plan. The Fathers great love to send us Jesus.. Emanuel.. God with us. So we can know Him, so we can live this life for Him and then one day be united with Him. What a privilege. It just makes it all so real to me. In my hurt, in my grief, I heard Jesus whisper to me… this is why I came. His law IS love and His gospel IS peace.. He does dwell in us and He is close to the broken hearted. Love came down, for me, for my sins. I’m just so thankful this Christmas season for how The WONDERFUL Counselor comforted me and revealed Himself to me as I have walked these last 9 months without my earthly dad, but showing me how WONDERFUL my heavenly dad is. He is closer and more in tune with me than I am to myself. What a gift! May I never get over the miraculous gift of Jesus.
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O holy night! the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope–the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!
Truly he taught us to love one another;
His law is love and his gospel is peace.
Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother,
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise his holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise his name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!
I woke up with that in my head today. (And I went to sleep with it in my head last night!)
Thank you for this! My dad also came with me last year to Christmas Eve service and then passed away this year. He was 97, so had a full life, but I still miss him. O Holy Night has such a beautiful message!
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I LOVE this all so much Kristy! It is so amazing when we feel the overflowing of Jesus so tangibly! I have had so many moments this year where I see God’s perfect plan in motion and things so beautifully done through him.
I just was with my dad and he seemed a shell of himself. I often have wanted the Lord just to take him so he doesn’t have to suffer and can go right to Jesus and be whole again. But I know the loss will be painful too. Prayers for comfort for you.
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Thank you for sharing. What beautiful words❤️
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This last week has been so busy! Today is such a good reminder to just sit in it! This miraculous moment for Mary!
I don’t know if you have been like me but I’ll be honest, I have had several days of struggle. Either I’m overly sensitive or my husband’s been harsh in his responses to me! I just want to encourage you to hang in there! God is in the business of bringing restoration and healing! We just need to bring it to Him! We talked about it last night and today is a new day! I’m so thankful He came and as the angel said,”For nothing will be impossible with God!
Praying for all! I hope that wasn’t TMI but I felt I should share. Maybe it will encourage someone!
Love you all!
I hear you, Cheryl!
I truly want to be found “waiting” for the Messiah to come. Not that I want to be sitting around doing nothing, but in everything that I am doing – I want there always to be a conscious thought that today maybe the day that Jesus will come for me. May I wait expectantly.
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JESUS
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MESSIAH
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REDEEMER
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EMMANUEL
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NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES
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LORD OF ALL
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Song Share: Jesus Messiah by Chris Tomlin
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He became sin, who knew no sin
That we might become His righteousness
He humbled himself and carried the cross
Love so amazing, love so amazing
Jesus Messiah, name above all names
Blessed redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners, the ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah, Lord of all
His body the bread, his blood the wine
Broken and poured out all for love
The whole earth trembled, and the veil was torn
Love so amazing, love so amazing, yeah
Jesus Messiah, name above all names
Blessed redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners, the ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah, Lord of all
All our hope is in You, all our hope is in You
All the glory to You, God, the light of the world
Jesus Messiah, name above all names
Blessed redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners, the ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah, Lord of all
Jesus Messiah, Lord of all
You’re the Lord of all
The Lord of all
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@Traci Gendron – praying that Tom will soon be over the flu, and feeling much better by Christmas.
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Have a blessed Monday my sweet She sisters! ❤️
I agree with you! I want to be waiting and ready. Could today be the day?
This morning I reflect on from the devo ….practiced their faith and waited for the Messiah the way we, too, wait for Jesus to return. WE too, wait for Jesus! When all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…Love how Jen ends…the story took place in unexpected places, in wombs (Mary and Elizabeth) and in dreams, in villages and in temples. There is HOPE as God IS making ALL things new. Happy Monday sweet She’s. Thinking of all those (us) as today is our first day off for Winter Break! A much needed break, as I as a para, I “see” how hard our teachers work for our students. REST, sweet teachers.
Happy Break from a school counselor ❤️
Lord, I pray for hope this Christmas. I pray my children see You celebrated in our home and not just the bow topped packages. May I reflect what I know to be true this season to them and all those around me. The star points to You, Lord! And nothing else. In Jesus Name, Amen. Lifting all the prayer requests up this morning. May you all feel His presence and love. May healing come as His will permits. May travels be safe and easy. And hearts be warmed and filled by loved ones around you. And may those who have lost loved ones this year, feel His presence, love and comfort throughout this season.
I do have one additional prayer request. My first Sunday school teacher as a young, married couple passed away this week after a long battle with a brain tumor/dementia. She was a godly, sweet woman who loved Jesus with all her heart. Her family is hurting and so are so many others touched by her life. If you can lift the Stewart Family in prayer today, I would be ever so grateful.
Merry Christmas She’s! And thank you for I know prayers are already being spoken. ❤️
Praying for the Stewart Family
Praying for the Stewart family this morning Tara. It’s always hard to lose someone, but even harder during the Christmas Season.
Praying for the Stewart family and echoing your beautiful prayer.
Prayers, indeed, Tara. ❤️
Father, thank you for this day to hear your word and walk with you again. Make my heart sensitive to your moves so that I can move with you. Help me choose Mary’s heart of obedience, willing to be a part of your plans. Help me hear your plans and reject ones with my own motives. Help me choose your ways and walk Your paths, even when I feel spent.
Amen to this! I am repeating your prayer myself, Cara. ❤️
Amen Cara. Make my heart sensitive to your moves so that I can move with you.
Love this! Thank you Cara ❤️
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Lord, thank you for keeping the embers of your hope alive in my heart. I pray I can slow down this week and notice where you are working and how I can bring the Good News of your Gospel to others around me. ♥️ May I be more like Mary who said “Behold I am a servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word.” Amen!
Amen
Amen
“What if waiting with hope feels more like a smoldering ember than a blazing fire?”
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Great question! God sees the little ember of hope that’s within as we go through the mundane moments of life. May His Spirit keep the ember of hope alive until He returns.
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Happy Monday. Hope all are finding moments in the day to look up in thanks for the Savior’s birth.
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Amen!
Mary’s “Yes” to God was not without the knowledge of what it would cost. And she paid the price. Willingly, freely and obediently. Lord, give me the grace, strengths and encouragement to do the same! In all ways, at all times. May my “yes” be” “yes” to you. Always.
Amen!
Yes & Amen!
I always think about the annunciation and Mary, who is probably 13 or 14 years old, with her obedient heart. I like that in what we know of the annunciation, we see that even in her young age, Mary has a mature quiet dignity that comes thru in her interaction with Gabriel. I am also in awe of her obedience, which really speaks to her upbringing, likely growing up in a home that was faithful to God. Aside from questioning the physical act of conceiving. She really was incredibly obedient and I don’t know if I would’ve been that matured or trusting at that age.
It is very beautiful to think of and I often think we become familiar with this story but when we step back and truly think of all these details. It is so amazing! So perfect and so pure.
“Then Mary said, “… Let it be to me according to your word.””
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The clarity Mary had and her faith to believe as she experienced her encounter with the angel Gabriel – wow.
It’s a struggle to discern, know and follow God’s will in our noisy, distracting world. Praying for clarity and strength of faith.
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MARY – amen to your prayer yesterday ❤️
TINA ❤️ “JESUS was NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS, He was for every single day of our lives. He came to save us from our sins, from ourselves oftentimes.”
TRACI GENDRON ❤️ praying Tom is well soon and that you stay healthy, and thankful you are able to see his mom often. Praying for your friend, you’ll always be thankful for these special moments spent together. I recall you mentioning few believers near you, praying for more connections with those who love the Lord.
CEE GEE ❤️
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Amy Grant’s song; Breathe of Heaven pairs so well with todays devotion. ❤️
Amen❤️
As I read this devotional today I was reminded of the film ‘Gifted’, where the little girl is so clever with numbers, she does not see anything else outside her world. The scene that came to mind was When dad decides to take her to the maternity waiting room to see perspective and realise what the feeling of true joy was like. After what seems like hours to a young child, the double doors are open and in comes a gowned man to say the baby boy had arrived. Joy, happiness, tears and laughter erupts in that waiting room. The little girl asks “..was it this happy when I was born?”
Realizing this feeling, she asks if they can stay for another.. (Moment of joy)
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May this Christmastime, I pray, be one of pure joy, happiness, laughter and tears, for we have been Gifted with a Saviour, One who loves us beyond measure. One who would ultimately die for us..
Definitely, worth making room for Him as we prepare for Christmas, and the days after..
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Do not be afraid.., For He comes not to harm you/us, but to save us. Worth every praise, every worship..every Hallelujah.. Cee Gee let’s do this!!
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BUT GOD.
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Amen..
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Happy Monday!
Much love covered in prayers and hugs.❤❤❤
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Tina, thank you.
Beautiful!
Definitely, worth making room for Him as we prepare for Christmas, and the days after..
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This was the focus in our Christmas service last night. Don’t put the tree away and the joy away, Jesus was born and His ministry began.. Christmas is not over on December 26.
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Thank You for making all things new. Praise our Lord! Amen
I can’t even begin to understand how Mary felt knowing she was chosen to be the mother of Jesus. Her prayer is so beautiful.