Blog 143
December 23, 2019
MIRACLES NEVER CEASE!
Often, I hear from people who have experienced miracles or divine interventions. I look forward to receiving these accounts as they deepen our understanding of how these experiences occur. Could you be like that? If so, please share your story with me. Contact me at revwise@att.net.
A SEASON OF MIRACLES
For the last three years, I have been writing about miraculous experiences and what the recipients thought, experienced, and now believe. Because these events run counter-current to our secular oriented society, I am sure many readers remain somewhat mystified by such events still happening today. It occurred to me that this is the season to clarify further where it all began.
Miracles? Just take a look at the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 1, starting in verse 18. Keep reading. The account of the birth of Jesus Christ is one long miracle story. The story begins by telling us that a young woman is going to have a baby … through the Holy Spirit!
Sorry guys. We aren’t even involved in how the conception began. God alone is the initiator of the entire event. Several times, the Gospel account goes out of the way to say this is all the work of the Holy Spirit.
Fact One: The Holy Spirit miraculously created a birth.
Wow! And do we ever get stories about angels. In his sleep, an angel came to Joseph in a dream and told him what had occurred. The name Immanuel, which means ‘God with us,’ was given by the angel. We get more angel accounts in Luke’s gospel. An angel appeared to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, and told him of John’s coming birth. Luke continues telling us that the angel Gabriel was sent to Nazareth to talk with Mary. We are even given part of their conversation.
Next the angels appeared to shepherds watching their flocks on the night Jesus was born. In fact, “a great company” of the heavenly hosts came with Gabriel.
Fact Two: Angels were everywhere.
Luke further gives us the story of Jesus being taken to Jerusalem for presentation in the Temple as the Law of Moses required. Both Simeon and the prophetess Anna realized that they had now seen the coming of the promised Messiah. A divine intervention had opened their eyes to this miraculous and long expected event. Simeon proclaimed that he had seen “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your (his) people Israel.”
Fact Three: When the Holy Spirit intervened, he brought a message. Sound familiar?
Sure. We’re seeing in these three facts what has been revealed over and over again in the lives of contemporary people. What happened in the beginning of the Christian story continues in the present. Therefore, this year as you remember the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, keep in mind that what he brought continues to be a gift every day of every year.
You might find my collection of Holy Land experiences to be helpful.
BIBLE LANDS: An illustrated Guide to Scriptural Places
Barbpir books Publishers
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miraclesnevercease.com 