Luke 2:26b-27 God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin. She was engaged to marry a man named Joseph from the family of David. Her name was Mary.
Halftime in soccer/football games are crucial. Soccer is an intense game where the physical movements and demands on the body and brain are very high. Hence halftime rest is very important for the players to rebound and reenter the field. The players not only rest and refresh themselves with a fruit or a leg massage; they also motivate each other and talk about tactics and strategies. Importantly, the teams also switch ends of the field.
Metaphorically, the arrival of Jesus changed the position of Mary from a simple Jewish virgin betrothed to Joseph the carpenter, to the Mother of Jesus. Both Joseph and Mary were elevated to important positions in the birth of Jesus. Their involvement was crucial to win the game! It was like a halftime change for Mary. She was going to become the ‘talk of the town’. She must have been completely oblivious to what was ahead of her but her humble acceptance to take the position and to carry the Messiah in her womb made her the greatest player of all time. Joseph was an obedient and integrous man who also accepted a very difficult and protective role in the arrival of the Messiah. An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. (Matthew 1:20 & 24).
The birth of Jesus was the halftime that has changed our position in the field from slaves to satan to sons and soldiers of the King of Kings. We are on the winning side.
The birth of Jesus has changed our position in the field:
1. Position: Jesus is our life coach who teaches us techniques and tactics to overcome temptations. We are no longer slaves to habits, childhood abuse or enslaving thoughts/people. Our position in Christ gives us clarity in our thoughts, words and moves.
2. Power: Jesus is the manager of our team. He empowers us with strategies to overpower the enemy and his attacks. We have authority over the demonic assaults and dominion over the demonic realm.
3. Performance: Jesus ensures our victory as long as we follow His instructions and directions. In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:37). Our past mistakes in the first half of the game are forgiven, the present position becomes purposeful and the future is secured.
The birth of Jesus marks the halftime of the world. We move to the winning position to overcome, overpower and overthrow dread, darkness and death. Celebrate the victory that we have in Christ Jesus this Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
Luke 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank you for changing my position from a wimp to a winner. Amen.
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