Read on Luke 1:26-33

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:31–33)

The announcement of Jesus' birth to Mary by the angel Gabriel is a cornerstone of our faith, revealing profound truths about the Savior of the world. Like a key that unlocks a chest full of great treasures, this announcement to Mary’s ears unveiled the riches of who the Christ would be.

The angel Gabriel draws out five divine titles and teaches us the multifaceted role of the Messiah and the depth of His purpose.

First, at the heart of this celestial announcement is the name above all names, JESUS! This name, derived from the Hebrew "Yehoshua," meaning "to save" or "to deliver," embodies the very mission of Christ — our salvation. Throughout the Old Testament, God's promise of a Savior was a beacon of hope. Now, in the New Testament, that promise is fulfilled in Jesus, the literal and physical embodiment of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

In previous ages they did not know the name of Christ. The Book of Proverbs petitions us to pursue His name, but no one could know it until it was announced once and for all by the angel to Mary.

“Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, If you know?” (Proverbs 30:4)

Ah, Beloved, but we now know, don’t we? Oh, the precious name of Jesus! We know that wonderful name.

Secondly, Gabriel declares that JESUS will be great! The Greek word, megas, meaning “great” underlines the extraordinary nature of the Messiah. His greatness is evident not only in His miraculous birth and teachings but in every aspect of His life, death, and resurrection. The Gospels are a testament to His unparalleled acts of love.

“And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.” (John 21:25)

Thirdly, Jesus is declared to be the Son of the Highest. This signifies His divine nature and His unique relationship with God the Father. This title places Jesus at the very heart of the Godhead, showing forth His divine authority and eternal existence.

“[Jesus], who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…” (Hebrews 1:3)

Fourthly, we learn from the angel's announcement that Jesus' lineage ties Him to King David, fulfilling the ancient prophecies about a Messiah who would reign eternally from David's throne. His kingship, unlike earthly rulers, is marked by justice, mercy, and truth, and His kingdom will fulfill all that God has promised the nation of Israel from the beginning.

“Behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Jeremiah 23:5–6)

Fifthly, Jesus' kingship extends beyond the historical nation of Israel to encompass all who follow Him, for the angel declares His reign will never end, as it is characterized by peace and righteousness. This will be fully realized at His second coming, as foretold in the Book of Revelation. The eternal nature of Christ's kingdom assures us of a future that is secure and hopeful. Unlike earthly kingdoms that rise and fall, His reign is everlasting, providing a firm foundation for our faith and hope.

“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”” (Revelation 11:15)

Dear Beloved, Mary's encounter with the angel Gabriel reminds us that God's plans are grander than our expectations. In Jesus, we see the fulfillment of God's promises — a Savior who is personal, powerful, and eternal. As believers, we are privileged to know and experience the reality of these truths. Let us cherish this gift, holding firmly to the hope we have in Christ, and sharing this good news with a world in need of a Savior.

"But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it." (Matthew 13:16-17)