When it was almost time for Jesus to be born, the central figures in his birth story got some news.

Here’s how it went with old Zechariah. The angel Gabriel told him Elizabeth, who was also old, would become pregnant with a son who would prepare the way for the Lord. He replied, “I doubt that.” (That’s not a literal translation.) Because Zechariah doubted, Gabriel said he wouldn’t be able to speak until the baby was born.

Then Gabriel visited Mary to tell her she would be the Savior’s mom. When she said, “But I’m a virgin,” she wasn’t expressing doubt but a practical question. After Gabriel explained it, she said, “I am the Lord’s servant. … May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38).

Mary quickly went to visit Elizabeth, and one of the first things Elizabeth said was, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45).

Though I’m not a physical part of the Savior’s line, I’m part of his family through faith. If you are too, then we get to ask ourselves if we doubt or believe God’s promises to us. And he’s got a lot of promises: hard-to-hear promises—we will have trouble; reassuring promises—God’s peace guards our hearts and minds; hope-filled promises—Jesus has made us part of God’s family, and now we have a whole, full life. 

Do you doubt or do you believe?

Blessed are you when you believe the Lord will fulfill his promises to you.