“4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) 5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:4-14)
An angel of God reveals himself to Zechariah, a priest at the Temple in Jerusalem, during the sacrificial service. Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth, is barren and the angel informs Zechariah that their journey of anticipation and disappointment has come to an end—they will soon bear a child who will make an enormous impact on the world and drive multitudes to repent. Elizabeth conceives after hearing this message. She is destined to give birth to John the Baptist, who will later become Jesus’ teacher. Zechariah and Elizabeth live in Ein Karem, a village close to Jerusalem. Mary, their relative, comes to visit them and the three celebrate her and Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancies, both of which are part of a divine plan. We must never lose hope or give up. Rather, we should always believe in what is possible and continuously strive to fulfill our purpose in this world. The angel brings divine abundance specifically to the place where the divine presence is felt. John will become Jesus’ teacher. Divine abundance comes through those guiding us throughout our lives.
Proportionality is finding the appropriate response to any situation or challenge; neither too little nor too much.
