Gabriel

Let’s talk about Gabe. We see him at least four different times in the Bible: twice in Daniel and twice in Luke. What I love is that he seems to be the chief messenger always sent by God, for God. He is pleased to bring the news of the King. The birth of the Savior was such an amazing event that God made sure everything was understood and clear. It could have also been Gabriel who talked with Joseph, but that one is not named. What I do know is that this angel has a name and a purpose and it’s all about God.

“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

— Luke 1:26-35

One of the best lines most angels seem to start with is: do not be afraid. Clearly, having an angel show up was a frightening experience. But Mary is told NOT to be afraid and that she has found favor with God. What a lovely messenger Gabe is—full of peace and good tidings!

Today, let’s think about Gabriel and what a joy it is to bring good news, blessing, and encouragement to someone. Maybe we can follow in his footsteps today, bringing peace and assurance to those around us.