The Divine Conductor - The Maestro Behind the Manger
Luke 1:35, 37 NIV
35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." 37"For no word from God will ever fail."
"...no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfilment" Luke 1:37b AMPC
Have you ever listed to a grade 7 band rehearsal for an annual Christmas concert? The clashing of tones and blaring of instruments reveal the challenge of creating 'music' with newfound skills. After many practice sessions, the instrumentalists would develop their embouchure strength, and fingering techniques to diligently learn how to follow the dancing notes on a simple musical staff. Often, the odd glance toward the front of the room at the conductor (also known as Mr. Domingo, the band teacher at Edith Rogers Junior High School) was needed to make sure that everyone began together, was in the correct key, and hopefully landed at the end of the piece.
As my musical skills and opportunities progressed, I had the privilege to lead a small orchestra. There were no illusions that I was the next Uri Mayer from the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, or the famous Leonard Berstein. However, I was now able to view and read the complete conductor's score, with multiple staff lines stacked vertically, each layer showing what was in the mind of the creator as he fashioned and wrote the musical score. As a conductor, I was able to view the role of each instrument group including the woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion in the orchestra. Each line would show when sections would rest, be in the background, create harmony, become the lead section, or project as the solo instrument. As they played, it was thrilling to hear what the composer had designed and imagined as they composed the original score. As I waved my arms to the correct tempo, each musician entered the musical story and played their parts that recreated enjoyable music in the festive season.
As I have read the Christmas story again this Advent season, I've been struck anew by the profound presence and power of the Holy Spirit in Christ's coming to earth. Like a divine symphony—from the Greek meaning "sounding together"—the Holy Spirit conducted and guided every element leading to the birth of Jesus. Without His involvement, there would be no virgin birth, no angelic choir filling the night sky, no wisemen journeying from the East, no manger in Bethlehem, and no shepherds keeping watch in the fields. Centuries before the event, the Spirit was already weaving together and "agreement of sound"—aligning every note to bring redemption to our broken world. He was actively engaged in bringing it all to pass—perfect in pitch, timing, expression, and cue.
The miracle of Jesus' conception was just that—a miracle. The angel declared to Mary, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; so, the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God." This would not and could not happen naturally. It required divine intervention and orchestration. Yet when the power of God's design intersects a willing and consecrated heart, the supernatural becomes possible. When God's Word is spoken and the Holy Spirit moves, nothing is impossible. As we listen for the Spirit's voice and watch for His preparatory gesture—like a conductor lifting the baton to bring the music to life—we position ourselves for God's miraculous work.
As people who carry this unchanging and timeless Christmas message, may we always have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying and eyes fixed on the Conductor. Let us trust the Holy Spirit to accomplish what seems impossible in our lives, our families, and our ministry roles. When you partner in prayer and financial support, you also share in the life-changing, transformational work of the gospel. So, all eyes up. Look for His baton. Play your part. Together, we participate in the Composer's great score and form the harmony of His great symphony of His redemptive mission.
Enjoy this Christmas Season,
Brian Egert - PAOC Mission Canada Director.
