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Advent 1 - Midweek | Luke 1:26-38 | The Angel Gabriel Comes to Mary

Advent 1 - Midweek | Luke 1:26-38 | The Angel Gabriel Comes to Mary

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 Advent Midweek 1 – The Angel Gabriel December 3, 2025 Luke 1:26-38 As we begin our Wednesday evening services this year, the theme will be the Angels of Advent. Now, to begin, we need to remember who angels are. Throughout the Scriptures, angels are spiritual beings; they are warriors, and they often pray for man. As Jesus says in the Gospel of Matthew, they see His Father’s face and do His will. Angels are not to be trifled with. But the most basic definition of the word “angel” is “messenger.” Angels are messengers of God who bring His news to mankind. While we meditate on the Angels of Advent over the next three weeks, only one of these angels will have a name, and that is tonight – Gabriel the archangel. It’s also interesting that, while Michael, the other known archangel, is mentioned throughout the Scriptures, Gabriel is the one sent to announce both the conception of John the Baptist and Jesus. Now, meditating on Gabriel’s message tonight, let’s begin with how he was received by Mary. As Gabriel arrived, the text said she was troubled by him and his words. After all, in our hymn we sang, “The angel Gabriel from heaven came, with wings as drifted snow, with eyes as flame.” There’s an image for you, and not one easily discerned. But the angel Gabriel perceives Mary’s fears, which is why he tells her, “Do not be afraid, Mary.” The word “afraid” here originates from the Greek φοβος; you might hear in the background the word “phobia,” which means fear or terror. What has your heart filled with fear and terror this Advent? What kind of news or messages have sunk your heart in depression, filled you with dread and anxiety, and caused you terrors throughout the night? Do you worry about your children and their faith? Have you been laid off? Did a doctor deliver the news, the news you feared, that you have cancer or another life-altering diagnosis? This, of course, leads to the questions of a racing mind. Will my children receive eternal life? How will I pay the bills or buy Christmas presents? Will the cancer or ailment consuming my flesh take my life? Mary was told by the angel Gabriel as she was filled with fear, “Do not be afraid.” This is the angel’s message for you, no matter your fears: “Do not be afraid.” Why? Because God is with you, Christ is with you. You see, the angel Gabriel’s entire message fulfills Old Testament prophecy, beginning with Genesis 3, as God the Father promises Eve an offspring who will come to defeat the Devil and the sin they brought into this world. But this prophecy is also mentioned in our first reading tonight from Isaiah, as he wrote, Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14) And this text from Isaiah really gets to the heart of Gabriel’s message to Mary, she is going to bear a Son, Jesus, the One whose name will be Immanuel, which means God with us. In a very physical way, Immanuel takes His place within the womb of Mary. He is God with her, and one of the messages of the Advent season is that Immanuel is God with you in the midst of the darkness of your fears. And this should be your prayer throughout the troubles of life, for the only Son of God to abide with you. In fact, as we began the service tonight, our words and actions remind us of this truth as the candle entered this darkened sanctuary, and we sang… “Jesus Christ is the Light of the World, the light no darkness can overcome.” “Stay with us, [abide with us] Lord, for it is evening, and the day is almost over.” “Let your light scatter the darkness and illumine Your Church.” Remember these words and pray them when darkness in life surrounds you, when fear and terror grip your heart. Then recall how your Savior came to you through the waters of Holy Baptism. Remember how the light of His Word enters your ears just as it was brought into this sanctuary tonight and dwells in your heart. Remember how His flesh and blood have been placed upon your lips and how your Savior remains with you, even now. Remember this... because when darkness falls upon you, Jesus is your light. He is your Immanuel; He is God with you. This is the angel Gabriel’s message for Mary, and it is His word for you. +INJ+ Rev. Noah J. Rogness Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Tomah, WI www.goodsheptomah.org
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