Gabriel did not announce first

Dear LORD,
It is that time of year again, when we believers focus our spiritual perspective on the earthly birth of Christ, His coming into our world in human fashion, being born of a woman, even though His birth was like no other before or since. Even the secular world celebrates, to some degree, the birth of the Child Jesus and the joy and hope this brought to the world. Part of the story, as it is told in the gospels of Mathew and Luke, is the announcement of the angel Gabriel to Joseph and his virgin wife Mary that she would conceive of the Holy Spirit and bring forth a Son, the Son that would bring salvation to those He chose for eternal life. What not too many people seem to know or remember, though, is that Gabriel was by no means the first one to announce the virgin birth of the Messiah. The Old Testament is peppered with prophecies about this awesome event. Here are a couple of examples:

Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

This verse from Isaiah is the one quoted in the gospel of Mathew:

Mathew 1:21 “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Here is another prophecy, also from the book of Isaiah:

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

There are many other references in the Old Testament to the birth of our LORD Jesus Christ. The Old Testament also contains many references to the LORD‘s miracles while You, oh LORD Jesus, were here on Earth. References to Your betrayal by Judas Iscariote, and details of Your suffering before and during Your crucifixion. LORD of hosts, thank You for Your wonderful Word, for the fact that the announcement of Your earthly birth had been done way long before Gabriel visited Mary and Joseph. My only regret is that so many Jewish people have never understood the very scrolls You Yourself gave to them for knowledge and understanding. But then again, this is all according to Your will, for not all will come to a true understanding of the Scriptures. I do hope and pray that more people are moved by Your Spirit to search the Word as You commanded us, so that we may get to see You in Your heavenly kingdom.
Your child,
Zoraida

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