Announce: To Give Notice of the Arrival, Presence, or Readiness Of

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her,"Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"

But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.

(Luke 1:26-29 NKJV)

Yesterday I was greeted with an unusual message on the refrigerator white board: “Viva La Revolucion!” I wondered at it, and also noticed the Scripture reference: 1 Timothy 4:12. I looked it up to see what was behind the announcement of this revolution in our home, it says, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” I figured the message at youth group must have really moved the messenger’s heart and he felt compelled to announce it publicly.

It wasn’t until the afternoon, when the younger son came home that the revelation of this revolution was to become clearer. Over pancakes at a local restaurant the night before, the older son and the younger son with a friend discussed the idea of getting an apartment together in January. This was a sudden announcement for me. We had been telling the boys that they needed to move out in the future because they are in their twenties now and they have decent jobs. To be honest the reality of this declaration hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but their readiness to move forward delights my heart. They want to band together with other young believers and be an example in conduct and service to the body of Christ.

I am thankful for their resolve to live dedicated lives, yet their revolution impacts my world. This morning as I was thinking of their announcement other pending news overwhelmed my heart. Soon I will be sending out the announcement of my graduation from college and the birth of a book (I go to pick up the self-published fruits of this labor of love today!) My life is changing rapidly, but in so many good ways. I also am looking forward to the arrival of my sister and her four kids after Christmas to spend a season in St. Louis.

This good news thrills my heart. Yet I have to consider the impact these events will have on my current perspective of life. These ponderings brought to mind Mary, the mother of Jesus, as her world was changed with the most amazing news ever! She was to give birth to God’s son! Now, that’s a revolution!

As we consider the good news announced by Gabriel to Mary and to the multitude of angels to the shepherds, may our hearts thrill with the announcement that God is With Us, even now, through the Presence of His Holy Spirit. God wants a revolution in our heart that will overflow with love, joy and peace toward others. Will you join me in observing this Christmas as a beginning of something new and revolutionary? Will we be willing once again to announce the birth of Jesus Christ as the most wonderful news ever? “Viva La Incarnation! Spread the Love of Jesus!” and "Glory to God in the Highest!"