Definition: And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Luke 1:19. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious beginning to the story of Jesus! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s an introduction from God. “And the angel answering said unto him…” – This tells us that we’re talking to Jesus, who is about to be born. The angel is speaking to him directly. “…I am Gabriel…” - Gabriel is a very important name in the Bible! He's often translated as “messenger” or “angel.” In this case, he’s telling us that he is the messenger God has chosen. “that stand in the presence of God…” – This is a fancy way of saying "He is here in a special and important place." God is setting him up in a position where He can communicate with Him. “…and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.” - This is the core of the verse. Gabriel is going to tell Jesus something very significant – “glad tidings.” Let’s unpack that: “speak unto him” : He's going to communicate with Jesus. “these glad tidings” : These aren’t just any news; they are good, wonderful news! It means a significant announcement about Jesus’ birth and his role in the world. So, what does this mean overall? This verse is like a sign that God is going to bring a special person into the world – a baby who will be the Messiah (a prophesied savior). Gabriel's arrival is an indication of something momentous about to happen! Why is it important? It’s a foundational story in Christianity. It establishes that Jesus is the promised Savior, and that God is working through a messenger to deliver this message. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Luke 1? Give you some of the significance of Gabriel's role in the Bible?