In this season of Christmas the focus is usually on the celebration of one miracle, the birth of Christ.

Of course this miracle in itself is more than enough reason for all the world to celebrate.

But inside the story of this wondrous event there is a second miracle which is like a hidden treasure.

Let’s see if we can uncover this treasure!

The first miracle of Christmas is:
Today your Savior, Christ the Lord, was born in the city of David. (These words are found in the book of Luke 2:11)

It is inside of the account of the birth of Christ as told by the book of Luke, that you can find a clue that will lead you to discover the second miracle.

This gospel of Luke, which is the third book of the New Testament of the Bible, gives the account of the angel meeting with Mary and letting her know that she has been especially chosen by God out of all women.

Let’s look closely at the words that the angel used when he first approached Mary.

The angel came to her and said, “Hail (greetings), you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women”. Luke 1:28

Many years ago I did a study of the Greek words that are used in this greeting.
(Note: the New Testament of the Bible was first written in the Greek language. From there is was translated into English and thousands of other languages).

The word that really caught my attention was the Greek word “charitoo” which is translated in English as “highly favored”.

Mary was singled out among all other women to be the bearer of this incredible miracle – the miracle of the Son of God born to be the Savior of the world.

She was highly favored among women.

Here is an interesting fact:
Do you know that this word “charitoo” is only found twice in the Bible?

The second miracle of Christmas:
The other place where this word is found is in the book of Ephesians. The book of Ephesians is one of the apostle Paul’s letters to the churches.

Paul is writing to a group of people who have decided to follow Christ and allow Him to be the Lord of their lives. As a consequence this group is known as the “faithful in Christ Jesus”. Read on to see proof of this.

Paul starts this letter by giving great praise to God for the incredible blessings that He planned for the “faithful in Christ Jesus”. (See Ephesians 1:1). Then he continues on by saying:

To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein he hath made us accepted (charitoo) in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6).

Yes that English word “accepted” is translated from the same Greek word “charitoo”.

The second miracle of Christmas is that because of Jesus, you and I can also become highly favored in God’s eyes (when we are IN Christ Who is the beloved).

How can you become one who is IN Christ?
By receiving Him as Savior and Lord of your life which means you will follow His leadership in your life and so become one of the “faithful in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:1).

This is the gift that God offers you at Christmas – eternal life in Christ.

(This eternal life is not just living forever, but it is also a quality of life. It is the abundant life that Jesus talks about in John 10:10).

The best gift that you can give to God at this special time is to accept His gift.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12.

The two miracles of Christmas are both God’s gift to you. What is your gift to Him? Will you accept His gifts?

May the two miracles of Christmas be real in your life as you celebrate this special season with your family and friends.

Credits: Photo by rightee