Significant things often begin in seemingly insignificant ways. When sound waves enter the human ear, they bounce off three tiny bones: the hammer, the anvil, and the stirrup. The resulting vibrations send a message to the brain where logic is employed in the decision-making process. Then, the hearer takes certain action steps based on the words heard.

Zacharias, Mary, Joseph, and Herod all heard God’s message with their ears. Their hammers, anvils, and stirrups conveyed to their brains the announcement of Messiah’s arrival. So what accounted for their different reactions? Zacharias doubted, Mary and Joseph believed, and Herod rejected the message. And each of their responses had significant results.

Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 1:26–35

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