“…The angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, named Nazareth. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary” (Luke 1:26). This verse marks the beginning of the happenings that led to the first Christmas- the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. It began with a visitation. An angel was sent from God to a virgin called Mary. So, Christmas is not just a time of eating and drinking, it is a season of divine visitations. Just as God sent angel Gabriel to the village of Nazareth to locate that young virgin, I perceive that an angel is being sent to locate you right where you are now.
Mary was hiding in a corner where nobody knew her, in a village that was probably not on the map of their nation, yet, an angel was sent to her. Bible history makes us understand that there were only 12 houses in the village of Nazareth, yet the angel went and located Mary in that small settlement. In modern times, such a place may not even qualify to be called an hamlet, but when God wants to visit a man, where he is located on the earth does not matter. No matter where you are now, I know that something is about to happen for you. This is your season of visitation!
Christmas is all about visitation; visitation for change of status. When the angel came to Mary it was for a change of status because after that encounter her life never remained the same. From the hidden corner where she was, she became a recognized figure, not only in her time but for generations after. In her testimony she said, “…My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my saviour. For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed” (Luke 1:46-48). That is what Christmas is all about; a change of status, God taking you from your low estate to the top, where you become a reference point for all generations. I want to say to you this day, that if you will open up your heart for God’s visitation at this season, by Christmas next year, you will have a big story to tell! MERRY CHRISTMAS IN ARREARS!
