The simple Christmas Story. You have heard it hundreds of times, but it’s new every time you hear it. Seems like every time you read the Bible you see something new. I’m not a scholar, I can simply read. I want to point out that this story actually happened. It is an historical fact. Luke had talked to many eye witnesses, and it took place when Herod was King of Judea.
There lived in the city of Jerusalem a Temple priest by the name of Zachariah, and his wife Elizabeth. They were both righteous and blameless. They were elderly and had no children. It happened one day that while he was taking his turn burning incense, the angel Gabriel appeared to him in person. Zachariah was struck with fear.
“Fear not, your prayer has been heard. You are going to have a son, and you are to name him John.” Now Zachariah was in disbelief and he asked the angel for a sign. The Angel struck him so he could not speak. There was a crowd waiting outside, praying and waiting for him to come out. They were becoming concerned that it was taking him so long, and when he came out he could not speak.
When Zachariah went back home he wrote this down on a tablet to Elizabeth. You will have much joy. He will be great, he will drink no wine or strong drink. And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. The reason I wrote this, is because my wife said she was reading Luke and it says John was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. Luke says that Elizabeth was filled with the Spirit after the birth of John, and later Zachariah was also. Were Mary or Joseph filled with the Holy Spirit?
At this time there lived in Nazareth a young virgin by the name of Mary, and she was engaged to a man named Joseph. When Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant, the angel Gabriel was sent to appear to Mary. “Thou art highly favored, blessed art thou among women. You will have a son and you will name him Jesus.” “How can this be, because I have not known any man?”
“The Holy Ghost will come upon you.” (The son of God was no mere man.) “Be it unto me according to thy word.”
Mary immediately left to tell her cousin Elizabeth who was in her sixth month of pregnancy. When Mary arrived and spoke to Elizabeth, Elizabeth’s babe jumped in her womb. (It is interesting Google says this trip was approximately 87 MI. Via route 65 would take 1 hour and 48 minutes. It probably took several days or perhaps a week. Where would you sleep how did you take your food, or your donkey’s food.)
When Elizabeth’s son was born the people wanted to name him Zachariah, however, Zachariah said his name is John.” Then Zacharia’s tongue was loosed and he could speak. Luke concludes by saying that John grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and lived in the desert until he began his ministry.
James Neuhouser
