“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God . . . For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:34-35, 37).
The emphasis for this year's Advent theme, The Word Became Flesh, is a reminder to us of the miracle of incarnation--that God would become human, dwell among us, touch us, speak to us, and eventually die for us. It's the greatest gift we could ever imagine.
Believing that the miracle of incarnation is true is a gift as well. God actually gives us the faith necessary to believe. At the very point where it seems impossible, God steps in. He specializes in making a way where there seems to be no way. Mary discovered this as the Holy Spirit came upon her with power.
Imagine how the miracle of incarnation can make a difference in our city in the coming year. Along with many of you, I've long felt that our steeple occupied an important place along the other buildings and towers of our city's skyline. The steeple of First Baptist Nashville represents the presence of God in the midst of commerce, entertainment, residential living, tourism, and much more. Just as God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, He continues to dwell, touch, speak, and serve through us from the corner of Seventh and Broadway. A part of being a downtown church is to embrace this ministry of incarnation.
But the task is so great and the needs are so numerous. How will we ever make a difference for Christ?
The answer is probably found in today's Scripture passage. God has given the Holy Spirit to us. The power of the Most High overshadows us! As we align our hearts and lives with the life-giving message that Christ is born, God begins to work through us to accomplish His will. If we live like we believe this, nothing will be impossible!
As you celebrate the birth of Christ today, recalling in your heart and mind the wonder of the incarnation--that the Word became flesh--it is my prayer for you that God will overshadow you and those you love with His strong and powerful presence, reminding you of His goodness and grace throughout this past year, and His continued presence in the year ahead.
Merry Christmas from your Pastor!
Frank R. Lewis has served First Baptist Nashville since 1997 as Senior Pastor. His wife Lori, daughter Lauren (18), and son Gregory (16) enjoy First Baptist’s Advent season for many reasons, but one of their favorites is the singing of “The Very Best Time of Year” during Hanging of the Green.
The audio version of today's devotional was recorded by Frank Lewis.
