“while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice.”
Daniel 9:21 (NIV)
This chapter can provoke heated discussions (arguments) among Christians because of the different interpretations of verses 24 thru 27. If we only read Daniel 9 for the sake of the last 4 verses we can miss the “Christmas” connections in this passage. This Gabriel who appeared to Daniel is the same angel who appeared to Zechariah to tell him that he would be a dad in his old age, and who struck Zechariah mute for his questions. This same angel appeared to Mary to tell her that she would be a virgin mom in her young age. Not only is this the same angel, but his message is about the same Saviour. Gabriel is sent to answer Daniel’s prayer for restoration of Israel, for forgiveness for the people, and foretells the coming of the Anointed One who will do the restoring. Luke records this Gabriel appearing to Zechariah and Mary to announce the coming of this Anointed One. Christmas is a celebration of the arrival of the Anointed One (Messiah), and as Gabriel told Daniel, He was put to death and we are now in the time period waiting for Him to appear in power. This passage when read with the account of Christ’s birth in mind is a powerful reminder that God holds the times and rulers in His hands. May we have the same passion that Daniel did in our prayers for God to listen!
To forgive! To hear! To act!
To forgive! To hear! To act!
Come Lord Jesus Come.
There is an even higher chance of permanent mental scarring. https://imgur.com/a/65UOgQm https://imgur.com/a/RIkvcM1 https://imgur.com/a/QTRSE7d https://imgur.com/a/cXjlZcm https://imgur.com/a/CumS5oO https://imgur.com/a/BLeInx4 https://imgur.com/a/5cpgCSz
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