The assassination of American President John F. Kennedy stunned people around the globe on this day in 1963. The day after the shooting, an article in a London newspaper spoke of the sadness throughout the world. It carried the headline, “All Other Events Overshadowed by US Tragedy”.

There are times in our lives when a death, a tragedy or a sudden turn of events blocks out everything else. It happened to a virgin who was told that she would become the mother of the promised Messiah, God’s Son (Luke 1:26-33). When she asked how this could happen, the angel Gabriel said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you” (v.35).

The impossibility in Mary’s life was overshadowed not by darkness but by the brightness of God’s glory and power. Her response continues to leave us in awe: “Let it be to me according to your word” (v.38).

In the coming weeks, as we read again the Christmas story and consider the birth of Jesus into our world, it’s worth thinking about the word overshadowed. It speaks so powerfully of the Lord’s presence in our hearts and His ability to outshine the darkest moments.

In every situation, we are overshadowed by God’s mighty love and power.

Author

David C. McCasland

Topics

Our Daily Bread