“Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

These were the words of the angel Gabriel in his appearance to Mary explaining how she could become pregnant with Jesus as a virgin, and how her cousin, Elizabeth, was already six months pregnant even in her old age with John the Baptist.

What a beautiful statement for us to remember when we are seeking God’s presence and action in our lives.  However extraordinary this occurrence may have been in the history of mankind, the words of Gabriel reflect a truth that nothing is impossible in furtherance of God’s will.

In Mark’s gospel Jesus makes a similar statement when healing a boy who was possessed by an evil spirit after the disciples were unable to do so.  The father of the boy pleaded with Jesus, “If you can do anything take pity on us and help us.”  Jesus said, “Everything is possible for him who believes.”  The father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.”    

We can relate to the father of the boy because we do believe, but we also struggle with our unbelief.  Let us spend some additional time in prayer with the Lord this Christmas season, for “Everything is possible for him who believes.”  (Mark 9:23)   

Will you spend some extra time with the Lord this Christmas season?