Miracle: An event that defies explanation by common laws of nature and science; by definition something only God can do including things done through me and you. John 14.12, 16.7

Our usage of the word is often broader than its meaning. Like when Mr. Pipe's 5th grade band finished their first song in concert. Parents proclaimed, It's a miracle! Or when Premi spelled hippopotomonstrosesquippedialiophobia (fear of long words) to win the spelling contest. Everyone said, It's a miracle! How about you? Do you know a miracle when you see it?

Can you spot the two miracles in this verse? 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. The first is easy: Virgins never, ever have babies. But 700 years after Isaiah prophesied the sign of Immanuel, the angel Gabriel called on Mary to announce the miracle about to be. In response Mary said, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be unto me as you have said. God spoke, Mary conceived. What a miracle!

The second miracle is even greater. He is Immanuel, God with us. It is amazing that God without asking Adam, fashioned Eve from his body. Yet even more miraculous, God chose Mary and announced what He would do with her body. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. From the moment the Spirit of God came upon Mary, she was connected blood, bone, tissue to her Savior and LORD! She carried her son. She carried God! She carried Immanuel! She carried her Deliverer! What a miracle!

Once when Martin Luther was telling the Christmas story to his children he chose, as he often did, some colorful metaphors in his rendition. If I had been one of the shepherds, I'd never believe the angel's message. For if I'd been God and wanted to save the world, I wouldn't have done it like that. I would have just taken the devil and twisted his nose and said, 'Let my people go you old devil!' But God is amazing. He sends a little baby, weak as an earthworm, lying in the feedbox of a donkey. And that little baby crunches the devil's back and overcomes all power of hell, sin, and death!

Luther talked about three Christmas miracles. That a virgin could conceive. That God became man. And that Mary believed the Lord's Word. Now for the sake of all who will read this article, for the sake of our Zion I'll point out one more miracle. For unto you is born a Savior who is Christ the Lord. That Christ came to save His people means that the greatest miracle is found beyond the manger. It is the empty tomb and beyond. This year through Advent, Christmas, and then into the New Year, let us continue to go with Mary and Joseph, and shepherds and angels and magi' wise men to be amazed at the greatest miracle!

~ Pastor Kelly Mitteis