As the day draws near, two women, Mary and Elizabeth, share a common bond and a mutual experience of God’s miracles on earth. But Jesus’ presence will be a challenge to the world’s ways. Are we ready to celebrate God’s presence in our lives?
Worship this week:
Saturday – 5:00 p.m. Modified traditional worship with Holy Communion
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional worship with Holy Communion
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Sunday School Christmas Program
Devotions for this week:
Jesus’ Birth Announced December 17-18, 2016
SHARE: What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding:
Sunday: Jesus’ Birth Announced, Luke 1:26-45 [46-56]
Monday: Introduction to Luke, Luke 1:1-4
Tuesday: An Angel Tells Zechariah of John’s Birth, Luke 1:5-25
Wednesday: Mary’s Song, Luke 1:46-56
Thursday: Birth of John the Baptist, Luke 1:57-66
Friday: Prophecy of Zechariah, Luke 1:67-80
Saturday, Birth of Jesus (Christmas Eve), Luke 2:1-14, [15-20]
TALK: Consider some of these ideas:
Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,8 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” Luke 1:46-49
What to do now? Here is Mary, unmarried, now pregnant, but with the Son of God? There’s nothing else to do but take refuge at her cousin’s, where two women share a common bond and a mutual experience of God’s miracles on earth. Then Mary spoke on behalf of a nation united in its anticipation of something better.
- How will Jesus’ arrival change the course of human history?
- When have you had to wait for someone or something that had the potential to change your life? What did you do to prepare for its arrival?
- What can you do to help mothers-to-be prepare for the arrival of their babies? How can your community of faith support them as they raise their children?
PRAY: Nothing is impossible with you, O Lord. Gladden our hearts with your promises, and do not let us keep silent about all you have done for us. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
BLESS: May God bless whatever you are anticipating in your life. Amen.
