During the season of Advent, Christians across the world prepare for the celebration of the birth of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Advent is a time to celebrate light in the midst of darkness. The Gospel of Luke chapters 1 and 2 provide a rich context for us to draw inspiration from as we use this time to seek God & to grow closer to Him. We can be certain that God will teach us through His word & through His chosen people. Like them, God will work in our lives to perform His will.
Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.” Luke 1:1-4 NLT
Zechariah teaches us TRUST: But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord.” Luke 1:13-15
John The Baptist teaches us GOD’S PLAN WILL PREVAIL: And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly. Luke 1:16-17
Joseph teaches us COURAGE: She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Luke 1:27
Mary teaches us UNWAVERING DEVOTION: Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” Luke 1:29-34
Elizabeth teaches us FAITHFULNESS: When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her. Luke 1:57-58
The Shepherds teach us BOLDNESS: When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:15
Simeon teaches us FULFILLMENT: That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace as you have promised.” Luke 2: 27-29
Anna teaches us STEADFASTNESS: She lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem. Luke 2: 37-38
Heavenly Father, as we prepare to celebrate your Son’s birth, would you help us to renew our commitment to your Word. Help us to apply these truths honestly to the areas of our lives where we need direction, encouragement, correction, and strength. As we grow, please use our lives founded in YOU to bless others. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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