For the last month, I’ve found myself praying, “This Christmas, may Christ be revealed in us.” It just sprang up as a fountain of living water illuminating my heart with light and glory inside. Christ is in us, but not yet fully formed, not yet ready to be revealed.
Mary received the word from Gabriel and believed what was promised to her: “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
In the same way Christ is formed in us – through the declaration of promise – God speaking forth His Son in us.
Mary asked the obvious, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is born will be called the Son of God.'” Luke 1:34, 35
What is born of God is by the Holy Spirit, not through man’s natural ability, but by His Spirit, His promise, and His power. Our faith, which is actually His faith given to us, held in patience, with hope maturing, is our carrying Christ. Christ yet to be revealed in us.
Mary then said what so many of us have said before, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38
Now began the forming of Christ in Mary’s womb. Mary would suffer misunderstandings, hardships, and much disruption. Eventually she and Joseph would have to travel from their home in Nazareth to the unknown city of Bethlehem. All of this was inside of sovereignty, all inside of grace, and all for the glory of God. So, Christ was born as God’s Son to overthrow sin and Satan.
Years later, another man would be pregnant in the spirit of intercession carrying those he loved. He would pray because He saw so much more of Christ yet to be revealed in His children. Paul would pray, “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you. Galatians 4:19
This Christmas, may Christ be formed in us. May He be matured in us, and revealed in us.
Believe.
