Daily Bible Verse - 12/21/2007 - Luke 1:30-31

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God." And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.

Luke 1:30-31

Commentary
Jesus - the name means "Yahweh is salvation." Mary was understandably troubled by this greeting; she wondered what it meant. The angel calmed her fears, then told her that God was choosing her to be the mother of the long-awaited Messiah.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Lk 1:29). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?
Mary and Joseph were betrothed but did not live together as husband and wife. According to Jewish custom, betrothal was a time of engagement that was as binding as marriage. The Law of Moses concerning breaking a betrothal by adultery, rape, fornication, or incest called for death by stoning (Deut. 22:23-30). When Mary became pregnant during her betrothal, Joseph decided to divorce her quietly. However, God explained to Josephin a dream that Mary's conception was the miracle of the Holy Spirit (see Mary of Nazareth).

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Lk 1:27). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Daily Bible Verse - 12/20/2007 - Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

Commentary
The virgin birth of Jesus Christ is a basic doctrine of the Christian faith, for the Son of God could never be born as you were born. Every baby is a new creation, but Jesus Christ existed from eternity. He was not only born, but He "came into the world" (John 3:17; 10:36; 16:28). According to Isaiah 9:6, the Child was born (His human nature) and the Son was given (His divine nature). The holy Son of God could not partake of sinful human nature. His body was miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit in Mary's womb (Luke 1:26-38; Heb. 10:5). He did no sin (1 Pet. 2:22); "in Him there is no sin" (1 John 3:5); He knew no sin (2 Cor. 5:21). Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (Is 7:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

"Immanuel"

The title, applied to Jesus in Matt. 1:23, means "God with us."

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Is 7:14). Nashville: Word Pub.