When Gabriel came to Mary, he made two astounding announcements. Not only did he describe a virgin giving birth, he also described the child which would be born.

While we often focus on the amazing and unique conception and birth of the Messiah, we should even more focus on the child who would be born.

Gabriel described this remarkable child who would be born and what He would do.

First, the angel told Mary she would bear a son and that she would name Him Jesus. While Jesus was a common name in that day, it was not an insignificant name. The name Jesus was similar to the names Joshua and Isaiah, names meaning salvation. When the angel spoke to Joseph, he told Joseph to name the child Jesus because He would save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).

The angel thus emphasized what the child would do. He would be a Savior.

Second, this child would be great. In Isaiah’s prophecy, the prophet described the coming Messiah. He would be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7). He would indeed be great.

Third, this child would be known as the Son of God and the Son of the Most High. The angel described the child as the Son of the Most High two times (Luke 1:32, 35). It would be clear that this child came from God.

Fourth, the angel described the child as a ruler. He would reign over the kingdom of Jacob. His would be a kingdom which would have no end.

While we sometimes get caught up with the virgin birth and with the place of Mary, this is a message about Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the King of kings and Lord of lords.

We must adore Him.

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