I encourage you to read Matthew chapters 1&2, and Luke 1&2. These four chapters of the Bible are dedicated to the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, also known as the Christmas story. We find in these chapters a tremendous story of faith. The Christmas story is a faith story. We find in these chapters no less than seven acts of faith, all of which contain lessons for us today. Let’s get into the Word of God.
1. By faith, Zacharias and Elisabeth conceived a child in their old age, John the Baptist. (Lk 1:5-25). Though Zacharias was struck mute by Gabriel for his response in unbelief when told he would have a child (Lk 1:20), the fact is, is that he was still praying and believing God for a child (vs. 13). Although Elisabeth was barren, they faithfully served God, and continued to stand in faith for a child. May we learn to believe God in impossible situations, for He is the God of the impossible (Lk 1:37).
Why was Zacharias struck mute? I used to think it was God‘s judgment because of his unbelief, but I have come to think it was for his own good. Our own mouths are usually our worst enemy. Perhaps he would have talked himself right out of the promise of God. Death and life are in the power of our tongues. I believe this is also why Elisabeth hid herself for the first five months of pregnancy (vs. 24). She didn’t want all the doubt and unbelief of people, friends and/or family being spoken against this promise of God, so she didn’t show herself until the baby bump was undeniable! When we’re standing in faith, we may want to be careful who we share it with. The nay sayers are always ready to say, “Nay. Nay. Nay. Impossible!”
2. By faith, Mary conceived Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:26-38). Notice, Gabriel built Mary’s faith, by saying her cousin Elisabeth, who was barren, was now in her sixth month (vs. 36-37). We should encourage others with our own testimonies of God’s faithfulness. We should build faith in others. Also, our response to God’s Word should always be like Mary’s, who said, “Be it unto me according to thy word”. May this be our response to every promise of God. May God hear from us, “Be it unto me according to Your word!” (Num 14:1-2, 28).
3. By faith, Joseph took Mary to be his wife, when she was found pregnant - but not by him (Mt 1:18-25). God spoke to Joseph in a dream to take Mary for his wife, and he received this word and obeyed it. He could have rejected it, but he didn’t. May we believe God like Joseph did, and then act on our faith.
4. By faith, the shepherds received the angels report, and went and found Jesus, and then proclaimed His birth to all (Lk 2:7-18). The shepherds believed the Word of God spoken by the angels, and acted on it. They hasted (ran) into town, found Jesus, and proclaimed it. May we believe God’s Word, hasten to act on it, and proclaim His truth.
5. By faith, wise men from the east traveled in search of the Messiah, following the star which guided them. By faith they worshipped Jesus. By faith they departed another way back to their country (Mt 2:1-12). The journey of the wise men was a journey of faith. Think about it: they followed a star; they laid riches at the feet of an infant; they put faith in a dream, and did not return to Herod. These are all acts of faith in God. May we only believe (Mk 5:36).
6. By faith, Joseph fled to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape the wrath of Herod. By faith He returned to Israel with Mary and Jesus. By faith, he dwelt in Nazareth (Mt 2:12-23). Joseph is a great example of a father who leads his family by faith in God. May we be the faith -filled leaders of our homes that God has called us to be.
7. By faith, Simeon and Anna believed Jesus was the Messiah at His dedication at the Temple (Lk 2:25-38). When we spend time in prayer and fasting (Lk 2:37) like Anna, and when we are led by the Spirit like Simeon (Lk 2:26-27), God can arrange divine appointments and give us opportunities to be part of His amazing works. May we be willing vessels God can speak to and use for His glory!
As mentioned many times in Hebrews 11, “By faith” is the key word in the life of a Believer. The just shall live by faith (Rom 1:17). Believe God. If we can believe, all things are possible to him that believes (Mk 9:23). The Bible is a faith Book. We are faith people who are children of a mighty faith God. What are God’s limitations? Only our unbelief (Ps 78:41, Mk 6:5-6). There is nothing impossible with God. Only believe. Selah.
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