Before we move into Christmas Eve and Christmas Week, I’m excited to tell you how God has led me for January — and thank you for your prayers. I really don’t want miss the short seven weeks of Paige doing Daniel, yet I know some of you know how deep she is and how much you have on your plate and are telling me:
I CAN’T DO IT!
Perhaps you cannot, but I have come up with an easier path for you to consider.
Each weekday, beginning Wed. Jan 10th, listen to 10-15 minutes of Paige. Multi-task if you like, and perhaps choose the same time each day to develop a habit ( When you are getting ready for the day, fixing breakfast, driving to work, or having lunch. Ask God to give you one thought He knows you need and then write it down here. That’s it! Just one question each weekday: What stood out to you and why? If you miss a day, don’t worry — just continue the next day and don’t worry about finishing. Just don’t give up.
FOR OTHERS, I HAVE A MORE CHALLENGING PATH BUT REWARDING PATH:
On Wednesdays, everyone will do the green path, so I have time to develop the questions and post them on Thursdays for the black path. Black path people should sit down and listen, every weekday, to 15 minutes of Paige and take notes. Then answer the questions in black. But if it’s a crazy day, switch to the green path for a day! You will get an e-mail about the blog by 9:00 Central Time on Thursdays that will have the black questions. (I need a day to work on them!)
If you are not signed up to get a reminder about Paige’s streaming, you can do it by clicking here:
https://westendcc.us15.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a6cacd77fce1778133da66b2b&id=956e47f392
Now: back to Christmas!
Photo by Inbal Malca
Each year I choose my “book of the year,” a book that impacted me profoundly. This year, hands down, it was Tim Keller’s Hidden Christmas.
I didn’t read it for a long time as I’ve listened to most, if not all, of Keller’s Christmas sermons. Yet this had fresh “manna” that I so loved! And this seems an appropriate subject to begin on Christmas Eve, the night Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and her heart was filled with wonder.
Christmas Eve:
1. How are you spending this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? How might we pray for you?
Christmas Day: God Chooses the Weak, the Humble
God delights in surprising us by doing things so differently than we might expect. Keller writes:
In ancient times, when the oldest son always got all the wealth and the second or younger sons had so social status, how does God work? Through Abel, not Cain. Through Isaac, not Ishmael. Through Jacob, not Esau. Through David, not his older brothers. At at time when women were valued for their beauty and fertility, God chose old Sarah, not young Hagar. He chooses Leah, not Rachel — unattractive Leah, whom Jacob doesn’t love. He chooses Rebekah, who can’t have children; Hannah, who can’t have children; Samson’s mother, who can’t have children; Elizabeth, John the Baptist’s mother who can’t have children. Why? Over and over and over again God says, “I will choose Nazareth, not Jerusalem. I will choose the girl nobody wants. I will choose the boy everybody has forgotten.
Why? Is it just that God likes underdogs? No. He is telling us something about salvation itself.
2. What do you think God is telling us about salvation? How does Christianity differ from every other religion?
3. What does it mean to you that you did nothing except believe to receive this great salvation? And that even your faith was a gift?
4. Pray now on this Christmas day in thanksgiving and for how you might glorify Him in your celebration.
Tuesday: The Context
5. Blameless and Barren. Two words Luke uses to describe Elizabeth. What do you learn from these two “B” words put together?
6. What sorrow, as Elizabeth faced sorrow, are you facing this Christmas? How could the above help you?
7. Read Luke 1:8-20 and summarize briefly what happened.
8. What happens to Elizabeth and how does she respond? (Luke 1:24-25) Thoughts?
9. How was God with you yesterday?
Wednesday: Annunciation
My favorite depiction of the Christmas story is in Jesus of Nazareth. Here is a 2-minute clip of the Annunciation:
10. Comments on the above? How do you think this might have happened?
11. In many churches this Christmas, people will have been told these are fables, fables with a message, but just fables.
A. How does Luke begin his gospel in Luke 1:1-4 – how is this one argument against these being fables?
B. Read Isaiah 7:13 and state the prophecy. How is this fulfilled in Luke 1:26-27? Why do you think that before we even know her name, we are told she is a virgin?
Many translations use the word wondered or wonder in Luke 1:29
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. (NIV)
But Keller says that is a poor translation.
The Greek word means “to make an audit.” It is an accounting word, and it means to be adding things up, weighing and pondering to be intensely rational.
12. List all the reasons you can for Mary being confused, troubled, and perplexed.
13. Why do you think she responded as she did in Luke 1:38?
14. Why might God be reminding you of this now?
Thursday: The Journey of Faith
Keller makes a convincing case for Mary making a journey of faith, beginning with doubt, but not the kind of doubt that is the sign of a closed mind, but one that seeks to understand.
15. Compare Zechariah’s doubt in Luke 1:18 to Mary’s doubt in Luke 1:34. What is the difference and how does God respond to each differently?
16. What are some very specific ways Gabriel encourages Mary in Luke 1:35-37?
17. What does Gabriel tell Mary in verse 36. List all the reasons you can think of for this.
18. Find out how far a walk it was for this newly pregnant girl to go from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Why do you think she was so determined to get quickly to Elizabeth’s home. Find all the reasons you can.
Friday: Visitation
19. What comments do you have on the above.
20. How, if Mary thought she had been dreaming, could this put any doubts to rest?
21. Read Luke 1:39-45
A. What happened to Elizabeth when Mary arrived?
B. How might have Elizabeth’s first words (v. 42) blessed Mary?
C. Read verse 43. Some would have been jealous of the greater honor bestowed upon Mary. What do you think Elizabeth was not? How could you apply this?
D. What does Elizabeth tell Mary just happened? Significance? Thoughts?
E. How does Elizabeth encourage Mary in verse 45? Since this was all because of the Holy Spirit, why do you think she says this? Share everything you can.
22. Mary stayed 3 months. This is my imagination, but I think probable. Share your thoughts.
A. I imagine Mary might have fear Joseph might not believe her story when she returned. How might have Elizabeth, knowing about how God dealt with her doubting husband, have encouraged Mary?
B. I believe the reason Mary stayed 3 months was to help with the birth of John the Baptist. Matthew Henry says, “Though Luke does not say she was there, the probability is that is why she stayed so long.” What do you think? Why might this have been a helpful mentoring experience?
23. Scholars count 30 to 50 allusions to Scripture in Mary’s Magnificat. She knew Scripture. As you read it, what part becomes radioactive to you? (Luke 1:46-55) How do you see wonder?
Saturday:
24. What is your take-a-way and why?
99 comments
Dee! Merry Christmas! Thank you for trying to please us all. I wanted you to know that I posted a video of our John 1 and Proverbs 8 in the last weeks posts If anyone wants to watch it.
I can’t wait to get started!
I hope everyone has a restful, peaceful day!
Yes, Laura, Merry Christmas to Dee and all of you here. I saw the link you posted but when I clicked on it, a screen popped up and said I need permission to access it. Please share again. I would love to see it!
Merry Christmas dear friends! Amen to all of you! Thank you, Dee for all you do for all of us to draw us closer to the Lord. The easy option is so good, at those times when we need it. Love you all so much!!
Laura, please share again when you have time. Praying for each of you, silent or participating, to have a Blessed Christmas. Much love and many blessing to all of you. Thank you for praying me through this most difficult year of my life. I love you all! Praise God that He has sent His Son to save us all! Glory to God in the Highest!
Merry Christmas, Patti! You bless us so here and I thank God for you!
Patti! I do appreciate having you here with us. You are kind. I am praying for you and your family during this hard time. Yes! Thank You Lord for saving us from ourselves and sin!
Patti — you have been much on my heart. That first Christmas is so hard. I love you so.
Prayers for your comfort and peace
I hope all had a very Merry Christmas and that the peace and comfort of the Lord was felt by everyone. Looking forward to the new study and having the option to take it easy to dig in.
Merry Christmas All! And I agree with Laura–thank you Dee for trying to accommodate us all! It is nice to have the option to choose “easy path”–that doesn’t happen often in life! And there was a time I would have guilted and shamed myself for choosing “easy”, but God has grown me this past year! 😉
Love this, Lizzy! xoxo
Merry Christmas Lizzy! Glad you are back. I get the guilt and shame of the easy path…yes, I am trying not to be like that anymore.
I’d be sooo excited for you to take the easy path when you can, dear Lizzy.
Christmas Eve:
1. How are you spending this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? How might we pray for you?
We spent Christmas Eve with our church family in the morning and a candlelight service in the evening. Our daughter is home with us. Unfortunately, she was not feeling well due to a sensitivity to a new medication. We did have some good conversations with her around the table during meals.
Christmas Day is a quiet day here for us. Our daughter, Ruth will be leaving after lunch, and we plan to see her on Thursday to spend some more time with her before I go back to teaching next month (year!). I realize that being in the pastoral ministry means some sacrifice and more effort with family time.
Also, I would appreciate prayers for a stillness of soul in me. Many little “foxes” seem to steal my joy in the Lord. I need to be still and know that He is God. Today, I am thankful He came to earth so that I can have His joy and hope for what lies ahead.
Both Richard and I write for a section in our monthly church letter. We are using the rest of this Christmas Day to reflect and to ask God to give us wisdom on how to continue to lead our church. I ask for your prayers to be able to articulate what the Lord impresses on our hearts. And pray for our dear Ruth to find her way back to Jesus. Most of all for me to not lose the wonder of it all.
“…But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul,
Is the wonder that God loves me.
The wonder of it all, Just to think that God loves me.
The wonder of it all, Jst to think that God loves me.” George Beverly Shea
As I read this, Bing, I am at rest with you in the wonder of His birth. Our family gets caught up in the busy – ness of the season. I will pray you know what your service looks like in your church. I will also pray for Ruth. I know how it is to have those near me who are not leaning in to His love for them.
Thank you, Laura. We finished writing our articles for our church’s newsletter. I have peace with what we articulated and trust God to move among us as we enter the year 2024. Always glad to see you here and all that you bring to the conversations.
Prayers for you dear Bing that you can feel peace in these days ahead.
Prayers for Ruth to find her way back to Jesus and that you remain in awe and wonder of all that has been done for us through Jesus Christ.
Christmas Day:
Oh, Dee! God has inspired you truly with this idea! This is very helpful and I love the idea of color-coding!
Great Bing — maybe this will help still your soul!
Dee, I am not the most organized person so when somebody is as organized as you are leading, it helps settle my soul. Praise God for His wonderful counsel for you.
Christmas Day: God Chooses the Weak, the Humble
God delights in surprising us by doing things so differently than we might expect. Keller writes:
In ancient times, when the oldest son always got all the wealth and the second or younger sons had so social status, how does God work? Through Abel, not Cain. Through Isaac, not Ishmael. Through Jacob, not Esau. Through David, not his older brothers. At at time when women were valued for their beauty and fertility, God chose old Sarah, not young Hagar. He chooses Leah, not Rachel — unattractive Leah, whom Jacob doesn’t love. He chooses Rebekah, who can’t have children; Hannah, who can’t have children; Samson’s mother, who can’t have children; Elizabeth, John the Baptist’s mother who can’t have children. Why? Over and over and over again God says, “I will choose Nazareth, not Jerusalem. I will choose the girl nobody wants. I will choose the boy everybody has forgotten.
Why? Is it just that God likes underdogs? No. He is telling us something about salvation itself.
Classic Keller-Always seeing things from an enlightening perspective! I miss him but he left us with so much of himself through his writings.
1. What do you think God is telling us about salvation? How does Christianity differ from every other religion?
Salvation is for everyone who chooses to believe and humbly accept who Jesus is and what He has to offer. Christianity is not a religion but a relationship with Jesus. Jesus died for me; no founders of other religions offer their lives in exchange for mine. In Christianity, I was loved first and did not have to do anything to earn that love; in other religions, I must do things first. Christianity offers eternal life; other religions offer good life here on earth; and that is dependent on how I do.
2. What does it mean to you that you did nothing except believe to receive this great salvation? And that even your faith was a gift?
Humbled I was chosen. In wonder because I do not deserve this great gift of salvation. It is a mystery.
3. Pray now on this Christmas day in thanksgiving and for how you might glorify Him in your celebration.
Jesus, my Lord, and Savior, may you be the center of my moments today. Thank you for choosing the humble and weak to be a part of your life when you were here on earth. And you continue to do so today. We have you to look for our example to follow as we walk our earthly lives.
“We will glorify the King of kings,
We will glorify the Lamb,
We will glorify the Lord of lords,
Who is the Great I am.”
Merry Christmas to all my beloved Sisters in Christ! I love your idea Dee, of making the Paige study of Daniel adaptable to our varied schedules! That is very thoughtful and kind of you. I was not able to post much during all the “Christmas rush” of my life. I went a little over the top with making treats and mailing them all over the country! And trying to spend quality time with my Grandsons every day. I am saying prayers for each of you and trying to be more focused on God’s presence in each day. God Bless!
Merry Christmas Lydia! Glad you are back 😉
Thank-you Laura, I hope you had a blessed Christmas and an amazing New Year!🙏💗🙏
Amen, Lydia. It sounds like you blessed lots of people even though you went a bit over the top!
Lydia, blessings to you as well. Treats all over the country! Now that required a lot of time and effort but would be a blessing to the recipients for sure!
Thank-you Dee and Bing! I have always been the Holiday candy and pastry chef in my family…when I moved across the country 3 years ago I promised to send treats home. I begin shipping boxes of treats the first week of November and continued every week until Christmas. I still have one box to finish and send to a dear niece. Whew! The Lord helped me persevere and I listened to some great podcasts while I baked and confected.🙌🙏💗🙏🙌
Thank you.
Christmas Eve:
1. How are you spending this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? How might we pray for you?
Merry Christmas y’all!
Had a wonderful Christmas Eve service. Our music director asked me to play the guitar while she played the keyboard and besides 3 Christmas carols we also did “Is He Worthy?” It really made my Christmas…a time of focus and worship on the One Christmas is all about!
Would appreciate prayer for my kids, their spouses and my sister, that their hearts would be softened to the gospel.
Christmas day was spent resting and reflecting.
Father, I do lift up Sharon’s kids, spouses and her sister. Please soften their hearts and give favor with loving believers who reach out to them.
ooohhh…I love “Is He Worthy”! I would need to look up the guitar chords on that! Merry Christmas to you, too, Sharon.
Me too Bing❤️…let me know if you need the chords and words.
Sure, Sharon! I probably could google it but would like the words and chords to come from a friend. That would be very special!
Prayers for your children and their families that they would think on the message that was put into their hearts this Christmas.
Thank you Dee and Julie for your prayers!!
Prayers for your kids, their spouses and sister to respond to the truth found in Jesus
Thank you so much Judy😊
1. How are you spending this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? How might we pray for you
This Christmas Eve I needed to complete some shopping, so Cooper and I went out together. He was so sweet; wanting to buy presents for everyone with his own money. We also wrapped them together. We are trying to make traditions for the kids. We finished the last bit of decorating (!); I seem to always be behind these days.
We decided to attend our later church service so we could sleep in, and then I messed up the time and we missed the service. Ugh! I ended up watching “The Shepherd,” the pilot to The Chosen, with Sarah, her husband and the kids.
Christmas Day was just a quiet one. We made cupcakes and sang happy birthday to Jesus, kids and presents, me cooking most of the day, and then phone calls to the family.
If you think if it, pray for family peace. We don’t always get along. Thank you.
Sweet about Cooper. Steve used to give Beth dollar to either keep or put in the offering plate, but God loves a cheerful giver. For years she kept it!
2. What do you think God is telling us about salvation? How does Christianity differ from every other religion?
Salvation is for everyone who believes. He wants us all.
Keller has said, before, that Christianity is the only religion where the leader gives Himself for the believers. In other religions, the leader expects the followers to give to him and then they get something.
3. What does it mean to you that you did nothing except believe to receive this great salvation? And that even your faith was a gift?
It seems nominal, that all I have to do is to believe. That’s it?
I’m not sure I understand the second part, the my faith was a gift? I do know that Jesus says we will be blessed because we have faith even though we don’t get to see.
”Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”“
John 20:29 ESV
4. Pray now on this Christmas day in thanksgiving and for how you might glorify Him in your celebration.
Well, I missed this on Christmas Day, however we did make cupcakes and blew out a candle after we sung Happy Birthday to Jesus.
5. Blameless and Barren. Two words Luke uses to describe Elizabeth. What do you learn from these two “B” words put together?
Well, blameless means innocent to me. Barren is a dryness. I suppose that Elizabeth was both innocent and empty, and yet, God filled her with life at an old age.
6. What sorrow, as Elizabeth faced sorrow, are you facing this Christmas? How could the above help you?
My sorrow is that my family is dysfunctional. We do not have the loving charm of other families. Maybe one day? That is the hope of the story of Elizabeth. Maybe we will one day be filled with life and care for each other well.
7. Read Luke 1:8-20 and summarize briefly what happened.
An angel visits Zechariah while he is praying and burning incense in the temple. He tells him that his wife, Elizabeth will get pregnant and have a baby. Zechariah questions the angel (Gabriel) because she (and he) are old in age. Because he questions him, the angel says he will not speak until the baby (John) is born.
8. What happens to Elizabeth and how does she respond? (Luke 1:24-25) Thoughts?
She gets pregnant and is thankful to God. God can do anything, He is faithful.
9. How was God with you yesterday?
I suppose He helped me remember Christmases of the past. Times, when life didn’t seem to me anyway, so hard. I guess my mom would probably disagree if she were here? It most likely was hard for her too. For some reason, Christmas on a Monday was weird this year 🤷🏻♀️.
Our daughter seems to be a traditionalist at heart. She likes the idea of gifts, the family, the traditions, etc. I think she loved my mom a lot. It was nice to have her remind me of things we have done as a family at Christmas. Her even being alive is fairly amazing…she has been through a lot in her life that many of us cannot even imagine. I remember standing at her hospital bed a few years ago when she was diagnosed with viral meningitis. She was nearly dead. God continues to help her through even among the most unimaginable odds. She prevails. Amazing.
So thankful for answered prayers for Sarah.
So thankful to read about your family and the prayer prompts for them. God sees us and He will sustain us through our earthly trials.
Thanks for your grace in my posting a day late!
I am at my daughter Sally’s in Albany and Anne’s family spent all day Christmas in the Detroit airport due to plane trouble, but finally got in by midnight last night. So we will celebrate today! I was just so glad they got in.
I’m so glad you like my easier path idea!
Oh boy! Airports and children…bless your family and have a delightful day!
Here’s the new link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X1L0GoHN5mgGtLv7_MeC-ANo2zJOirAv/view?usp=drivesdk
I hope this one works! My hair is really short here…
Beautiful, Laura! I love it!
Thanks for reposting Laura, so peaceful.
It’s beautiful, Laura!
Thanks for sharing this Laura…beautiful!! You have a wonderful gift and it’s so wonderful you can use it to glorify the Lord!!
That was beautiful. Loved how the two scriptures were woven together.
That’s my favorite part of it, Judy. I wish I had a better copy but you get the idea.
Wow. Love this, Laura! Such grace and beauty in dance interpretation. Thank you for sharing. Glory to God!
Christmas Eve:
1. How are you spending this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? How might we pray for you? – Christmas Eve we spent at church for the 5pm service. What a blessing it was to have the carols sung and during Silent Night we had the candlelight part of the service. Our Pastor had started a new series to get us to Christmas called the Rescue Mission. What a great way to see another side of why Christ came to us a child. It wasn’t the typical Christmas story sermon, but one to me that went much deeper.
Thank you for all that prayed for the Saturday meal service I did. All went well and though we didn’t have the amount of people we prepared for, those that came were truly blessed with a great meal, some Christmas carols and leftovers to bring home. It was a fun night.
Julie, I love the theme of “Rescue Mission”. Jesus came to rescue us!
So glad your evening of meal serving went well and all were blessed.
I’m sure the leftovers really blessed them!
Love this, Julie. “Rescue Mission” sounds like a good series. So good to hear that your Saturday meal service went well and I sure those who came were very blessed.
Christmas Day: God Chooses the Weak, the Humble
2. What do you think God is telling us about salvation? How does Christianity differ from every other religion? – Reading that last line, Over and over and over again God says, “I will choose Nazareth, not Jerusalem. I will choose the girl nobody wants. I will choose the boy everybody has forgotten. WOW! This speaks volumes to me. Salvation is for anyone, you don’t need a lot of money or any kind of status. He will take us if we are willing. His arms are open, just waiting for those he has called to accept him and the invitation he has sent to us. Other religions want you to provide something, to do something before they think you are good enough. Christianity is not like that, Jesus is a loving and gracious God and wants everyone to have the blessing he provided when he took our place on the cross.
3. What does it mean to you that you did nothing except believe to receive this great salvation? And that even your faith was a gift? – I still can’t get over He chose me. I knew about God all my life as a catholic, but I didn’t really know HIM as my savior, as the one who took my place. What a blessing he provided to us all just for having faith in him, that he will come back one day and take us all home. Thank you, Jesus, for loving me so much and for not giving up on me.
4. Pray now on this Christmas day in thanksgiving and for how you might glorify Him in your celebration. – Christmas is over, or what most think Christmas is. But yesterday was just a quiet day for me and my husband Joe. We just stayed home and chilled. We found a new program on TV called True South and it just touched our hearts. They travelled around to areas in the various southern states and found places, people, that truly had made a difference in not just their lives, but in the community where they lived. They didn’t give up when the world said NO, they kept going and trying and brought love back to the town. People flocked to them and loved on them as much as they were loving on others. It was such a breath of fresh air to watch and see that kindness and love are still out there. Lord, thank you for guiding me to that program and for letting us see that your love is still in the hearts of people. That your kindness is still being given to those who struggle. Help me Lord to be one of those people. To see the need in what ever way it comes and to show kindness to them so that they don’t see me, but see You in me. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Sounds like a sweet quiet Christmas.
Tuesday: The Context
5. Blameless and Barren. Two words Luke uses to describe Elizabeth. What do you learn from these two “B” words put together? – Two words when put together show a whole new picture. Elizabeth did nothing wrong, being barren was not because of anything she did or didn’t do. It was so God could use her, a woman who was into her years of her life, to start showing the way and the power that His Kingdom was going to have. For people to be wondering just what miracle was next.
6. What sorrow, as Elizabeth faced sorrow, are you facing this Christmas? How could the above help you? – I’m not sure I have sorrow for me right now, but sorrow is all around us in our families, our towns, this world. The above blameless and barren can remind me that nothing is impossible for God. He can bring peace to every person and situation that is barren of the missing element at that time. A lot of people did nothing wrong to cause the sorrow in their lives. I think sorrow is and will be a part of our lives until Jesus comes back and brings us to a place of peace.
7. Read Luke 1:8-20 and summarize briefly what happened. – Zechariah as appointed priest was at the temple getting ready to burn incense, an angel appeared to him and told him that his prayer would be answered and that Elizabeth his wife would have a child and they would name him John. John would bring people back together and back to God. Zechariah was stunned and couldn’t believe that this would happen because he and Elizabeth were old. Because of his doubt, he was not able to speak any longer until the day of his son’s birth.
8. What happens to Elizabeth and how does she respond? (Luke 1:24-25) Thoughts? – She gets pregnant and says that God has done this for her and has shown her favor and taken away her disgrace among her people. It’s so easy for us to take on the shame and blame ourselves for things that we had in our plans and that don’t happen. If we could just be happy with where God has us at, our lives could be filled with joy and peace, but this is not an easy thing to do. If we could look at our life in the way God does and how he planned it out for us, we may be able to see the plan he has for us because our eyes would be off the ‘failure’ we think we’ve been given and see the promise and blessings of God.
9. How was God with you yesterday? – I’ve answered this in yesterday’s question, but he showed me that there is hope, love and kindness still in this world, with a new program I found ‘True South’.
5. Blameless and Barren. Two words Luke uses to describe Elizabeth. What do you learn from these two “B” words put together? Elizabeth followed God’s laws wholeheartedly and she was unable to conceive
6. What sorrow, as Elizabeth faced sorrow, are you facing this Christmas? How could the above help you? Family members who aren’t following Jesus some of them not even trying Despite her disappointment Elizabeth obeyed God I’m not ti be distracted or led astray by other people’s decisions I’m to follow God and let God deal with them
7. Read Luke 1:8-20 and summarize briefly what happened. When It was Zechariah’s turn to burn incense in the temple an angel appeared and told him prayers were answered and Elizabeth though past menopause would have a child they were to call John John would go before Lord in spirit of Elijah When Zechariah questioned this, the angel Gabriel told him he wouldn’t be able to speak until child was born
8. What happens to Elizabeth and how does she respond? (Luke 1:24-25) Thoughts? She became pregnant and remained in seclusion for .5 months She must have been in awe of what God had done Excited, thankful and careful to not do anything to discredit the wonderful situation
9. How was God with you yesterday? Had a quiet day that I enjoyed and didn’t feel sad about not having family or friends around .
Hello, I will try to catch up a bit. I spent Christmas Eve at church in the morning and then at the evening communion service my son and I sang “I Still Believe in Christmas ” a song by Anne Wilson. Many people from our church sang special music…it was a very Holy Spirit filled time of worship! I wanted to drive around a look at all the beautiful lights and decorations in our town, but I couldn’t get anyone to go with me, so I didn’t get to go. On Christmas day, I went to my daughter’s big Farmhouse and we shared a sumptuous meal and played silly games with my son inlaws family. Then my son and I came home to feed and walk the dogs. We watched a show on CBN about Israel and Christmas in wartime…so sad, but hope remains even in the tragedy of war. Today my Grandsons were with me all day, we had fun playing with their new Lego sets, took 2 long walks with the dogs and played Ping Pong until my Grandsons gave up! I am still the Champion!
Lydia, the ping pong champion! Sounds like you had a great time!
Yes, they are lots of fun! 7 and 10 years old. We started this morning with a Kids Devotion From Our Daily Bread…about asking of the Lord. Then we each prayed…it was definitely a blessing!
Lydia, sounds like your weekend was filled with fun.
1. How are you spending this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? How might we pray for you?
—I just spent some time reading through questions and answers here on the blog. Oh how I am blessed by that. To see and read the exchanges of love and caring by the sisters in Christ here is a beautiful thing. Thank you Dee for being our guide as we study God’s Word together here and your sensitivity to the various needs. This is certainly a place of encouragement and growing together.
This is and has been an unusual Christmas and year end for my husband and me. We drove a 1000 miles to Texas last Thursday and Friday. We are now pretty much settled into our little two room Casita next to our oldest son’s home in the hill country about 40 miles from San Antonio. We plan to be here for 2 months. Another first for us is being away from home as we have known it for so many years.
We are trusting God to use us in the lives of our family here.
We attended a Christmas Eve service at a large growing church that we are choosing to associate ourselves with while down here in Texas. We have connected with some couples and will be part of a smaller Community group in that church. Christmas Day was quiet and relaxed with our son and his wife in the morning. We had coffee and cinnamon rolls together and watched a delightful movie together in our Christmas PJs. Then in the afternoon we travelled about 30 minutes down to our granddaughter’s home. On the way our daughter-in-law verbally unleashed her anger on the government, politicians, preachers, churches, the driver who was going too slow in front of us and her mother whom she has great animosity towards. She makes blanket statements and writes people off. She says she is cynical and almost brags about her cynicism. This is one extremely intelligent woman who functions at a high level in her work but the bottom line is she is mad at God and she hasn’t figured that out yet. She has major blind spots. But thankfully she is not mad at us personally. I see pretty clearly how her family of origin in her growing up years has deeply tainted her. So having said all that pray for me in how God would have me minister to her. I certainly can’t fix her but I know the One who can. I have a sense it will involve getting her into the Word and prayer but I ‘m not sure what that should look like. I do not have natural teaching gifts but I have a feeling she needs a listening ear and the sense she is being heard. I can trust God to meet her need. And I know I just enlisted a wonderful group of pray-ers. 💕😊
Prayer for your Dil’s healing, open heart to God and you and for the timing and words to say to her.
Oh my! Father, please be with Bev and her husband during these 2 months with an angry daughter-in-law. May she see Your peace and grace in them and desire that for herself. Please work in her heart and give Bev and her husband wisdom on when to speak and when to be silent. In Jesus Name I pray
Oh Bev, I am praying for God to use you and your husband in the lives of your family and especially unchain this poor Daughter from her unforgiveness and root of bitterness…she needs divine intervention! In Jesus Name. 🙏❤️🙏
Bev, that you are planning to stay with your eldest son’s family is a God thing, and to perhaps. connect with your daughter-in-law. Praying as you have said for her to get in the Word and prayer. I pray the same for our daughter.
Oh Bev, I know God will use you mightily to help show your DIL who God truly is. I will be praying for your time there.
Bev,
I’m jealous that you are in my second home state! Our kids were all born in Dallas – Fort Worth and I lived there 25 years. I know Texas fairly well. Having said that, have you considered that the border situation might be what is triggering her frustration? I know many Americans who are struggling trying to make ends meet and having anyone and everyone come here does not help Americans. Our daughter and SIL cannot afford to have their own apartment, yet border crossers are being given $6000 and a cell phone. All on we the tax payers. 15,000 people crossed one day last week in Eagle Pass, Tx. I did my geologic field camp work there, in college. We need to take care of our own people before we can help others. Here in our house, we are paying double the amount for groceries, and our sons college bills ($400/week) are killing us. He has yet to find a true professional job.
The other part to the border crossings is the terrorist issue. This past year, 147 people on the terrorist watch list crossed over compared to single and double digits in years past. This is frightening for us. I saw a man on tv, with a shot gun and other gear (a border crosser) who disappeared into the country. Why are our laws not being followed? Why is our government not protecting us?
I’m not sure these are her concerns, and you are correct, He can help her. But I also struggle when these things are in our faces and it seems that no one in the government wants to even try to care for the American citizens. I don’t think that God would want us to not care for our own citizens. We are supposed to be a sovereign country. Americans are the first to help others but there is a process and laws must be followed.
I will pray for you and for your family. Perhaps sitting shiva is the best idea for now. She may just need to feel that someone is listening to her.
Oh, Bev. I will pray for you and your husband, as you minister to others, especially your dear DIL, in Texas. I will pray for you to have a wonderful relationship with her, that will help her to feel heard. That is heartbreaking. Anger eats at the soul of a person; how I pray that the Lord will speak to her heart and that she will be open to Him. I am praying that your love and listening ear will help her heart to heal.
I am so thankful for my sisters on this blog. I enjoy so reading what God is doing in your lives and teaching you.
I am blessed to be with two daughters and their families in Albany. Annie and her family flew in from Nebraska — they had to spend Christmas day in Detroit due to plane trouble, but were great sports about it. Just glad they are finally here. Today we are having an extended family zoom call to discuss Keller’s Hidden Christmas. My daughter Annie put together some old VCR tapes of Steve, and we had lots of tears and laughter over those.
Oh what sweetness to take time and remember Steve. It was 28 years ago today that my dad went to be with Jesus from the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. I remember we spent about 6 hours taking turns at his bedside after he had suffered a severe stroke. Dr. Hranac commented he couldn’t believe he had died that quickly. But we all knew it was an answer to Dad’s prayer that if he had a stroke God take him home to Heaven and we all had peace about it. We had all spent Christmas day together 2 days before at Mom & Dad’s home so we were left with good memories.
Oh, Bev! How bittersweet that experience with your Dad was. how God answered his prayer is amazing. This reminds me that God is always good even amid our heartaches.
So cool, Dee, about your Zoom call with your family!
Oh what a great time that must have been. So glad your daughter and her family made it to be with you all. I have Keller’s book, Hidden Christmas and need to sit and read it.
Tuesday: The Context
1. Blameless and Barren. Two words Luke uses to describe Elizabeth. What do you learn from these two “B” words put together?
Oxymoron? If I am blameless, why am I barren?
Blameless and barren. Why not me if God is glorified in me?
Blameless and barren. I am crying. This does not make sense. Especially for those I love and cherish.
2. What sorrow, as Elizabeth faced sorrow, are you facing this Christmas? How could the above help you?
People I love are not walking with the Lord. I have been rendered blameless by the death of my Savior, Jesus. Nevertheless, my life can be a barren place at times when prayers for my loved ones remain unanswered. This helps remind me that God’s purposes in my life and the lives of those I love are not dependent on what I do but on the mysterious gracious, and loving hand of God.
3. Read Luke 1:8-20 and summarize briefly what happened.
Zechariah was chosen by lot to go into the temple and burn incense. An angel appeared to him standing at the right side of the altar of incense. He was gripped with fear but the angel told him not to be afraid, his prayers were answered and Elizabeth would have a son and to call him, John. He will be the forerunner of the Lord. Zechariah doubted (how can I be sure?) citing he was old as well as Elizabeth.
8. What happens to Elizabeth and how does she respond? (Luke 1:24-25) Thoughts?
Zechariah went home and his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and stayed in seclusion for 5 months. She acknowledged that the Lord has shown her favor, and is the one who made her pregnancy possible. There was no doubt in her mind that something impossible was made possible by God. I wonder what Elizabeth’s symptoms were. Did Zechariah tell her about the visitation in sign language? More questions for me than answers. Was her pregnancy brought about by the Holy Spirit overshadowing her as He did with Mary? Or was it from human endeavor? My curiosity as a nurse is piqued! I thought of Sarah and Abraham. However it came to be, impossible things can be possible with God!
9. How was God with you yesterday?
God kept my spirits up as we said goodbye to Ruth when she headed home to Kansas City. He answered my prayer for words to use for our church’s newsletter. He even gave us an idea to share Philippians 1:3-6 in it as a prayer for everyone and included a picture of the 2 of us! Now, that is a God thing!
Good job getting into Elizabeth’s mind with blameless and barren
Wednesday: Annunciation
10. Comments on the above? How do you think this might have happened? – I’m not sure what this is asking really, but the annunciation was all planned by God because of the faithfulness of Mary.
11. In many churches this Christmas, people will have been told these are fables, fables with a message, but just fables.
A. How does Luke begin his gospel in Luke 1:1-4 – how is this one argument against these being fables? – He stated that though he wasn’t there at the time, he had talked to those who were and investigated carefully what was being said. The eyewitnesses told him all that had happened since they were there so the truth outweighed the thought of a fable.
B. Read Isaiah 7:13 and state the prophecy. How is this fulfilled in Luke 1:26-27? Why do you think that before we even know her name, we are told she is a virgin? – I can see in 7:14 that the prophecy was that the Lord would give them a sign that a virgin would get pregnant and give birth to a child, a son and they would call him Immanuel. In Luke it all starts to unfold, and the prophecy is fulfilled. I think saying she was a virgin was a huge sign that this was a miraculous birth and was the sign those in the past were looking for and told about.
Many translations use the word wondered or wonder in Luke 1:29
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. (NIV)
But Keller says that is a poor translation.
The Greek word means “to make an audit.” It is an accounting word, and it means to be adding things up, weighing and pondering to be intensely rational.
12. List all the reasons you can for Mary being confused, troubled, and perplexed. – I like how Tim Keller explains what this verse is really saying. She was confused because she had never been with a man; She couldn’t see the Lord or the angel, but only heard them; she was troubled because she didn’t know what was to come, or how she would explain this to Joseph or anyone really.
13. Why do you think she responded as she did in Luke 1:38? – She was faithful to God and trusted and believed in him and wanted to be obedient to his plan for her.
14. Why might God be reminding you of this now? – This day’s questions are coming at a time I truly need to believe and trust that He is in control and all we be fine. I need to be faithful to his plan for my life and remember that his promised are true.
10. Comments on the above? How do you think this might have happened? I forget how young Mary was and probably much more innocent than many young women in these days I dont know how it would have happened to them than an overwhelming flooding and the Holy Spirit
11. In many churches this Christmas, people will have been told these are fables, fables with a message, but just fables.
A. How does Luke begin his gospel in Luke 1:1-4 – how is this one argument against these being fables? Luke, a physician, carefully investigated everything that eye witnesses had spoken about Jesus
B. Read Isaiah 7:13 and state the prophecy. How is this fulfilled in Luke 1:26-27? Why do you think that before we even know her name, we are told she is a virgin? A virgin will give birth to a son named Immanuel So there is no questions that the conception was heavenly and not from man
Many translations use the word wondered or wonder in Luke 1:29
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. (NIV)
But Keller says that is a poor translation.
The Greek word means “to make an audit.” It is an accounting word, and it means to be adding things up, weighing and pondering to be intensely rational.
12. List all the reasons you can for Mary being confused, troubled, and perplexed. Seeing an angel, Disruption of what she thought her plans were, how could she even become pregnant , what would her parents say, what would Joseph think, what would happen to her
13. Why do you think she responded as she did in Luke 1:38? She was pure in her thoughts and actions and trusted what the angel said
14. Why might God be reminding you of this now? To work on keeping my thoughts pure and not go down any rabbit hole that leads me into sin with thoughts and actions unpleasing to the Lord
Wednesday: Annunciation
My favorite depiction of the Christmas story is in Jesus of Nazareth. Here is a 2-minute clip of the Annunciation:
10. Comments on the above? How do you think this might have happened?
I love this depiction, too. I love that it is depicted in a way that we do not hear the words of the angel. It was only for Mary to hear. Her facial expressions conveyed the depth and the magnitude of her surprise and awe-filled fear. I can imagine the prophecies flashing before her mind as she listened closely to the words of the angel. Her humble reply Is what I could envision it to be.
11. In many churches this Christmas, people will have been told these are fables, fables with a message, but just fables.
So sad. I was talking to my hairdresser this morning and she told me of some of the responses she gets from her son and daughter-in-law when faith comes to the forefront. She thinks they are too much into their faith. I quietly mentioned that it must be a struggle for her between faith and reality. And she nodded. I hope our conversations are planting seeds in her heart and mind.
A. How does Luke begin his gospel in Luke 1:1-4 – how is this one argument against these being fables?
Luke was a physician and as such, points to his credibility ( “since I have carefully investigated everything from the beginning…and write an orderly account”) as a person of facts. To him, and to us, his readers, Christmas happened. Later, Paul in his discourse before Festus and King Agrippa said, “
“Most respected Festus, I am not crazy. I am speaking the truth! The king knows about all this. I am free to speak to him in plain words. Nothing I have said is new to him. These things happened where everyone saw them. King Agrippa, do you believe the writings of the early preachers? I know that you believe them.” Jesus did come to earth and died for us.
B. Read Isaiah 7:13 and state the prophecy. How is this fulfilled in Luke 1:26-27? Why do you think that before we even know her name, we are told she is a virgin?
This will be a sign to you, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel… “a virgin pledge to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.”
I found out that there were 700 years between Isaih’s prophecy and its fulfillment.
Many translations use the word wondered or wonder in Luke 1:29
Mary was greatly troubled by his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. (NIV)
But Keller says that is a poor translation.
The Greek word means “to make an audit.” It is an accounting word, and it means to be adding things up, weighing and pondering to be intensely rational.
12. List all the reasons you can for Mary being confused, troubled, and perplexed.
She had no relations with a man. She may not even have had her period (girls were engaged at 13-14 years old)! She is poor and not worthy(?) She is from Nazareth, not in the big city of Jerusalem. Oh, the shame and the rejection that would come with being pregnant. How can she explain this to Joseph? To her family?
I like Keller’s thoughts on the word, “wonder”. Mary was taking an audit of her situation.
13. Why do you think she responded as she did in Luke 1:38?
Her humility and her belief and faith in the fulfillment of the prophecies which I would like to surmise were taught to her by her parents. I thought also of what the angel said of Elizabeth whom Mary knew to be old, and now had conceived and was in her 6th month. I also believed that Mary had a tender servant’s heart and was willing to be used by God.
14. Why might God be reminding you of this now?
God will ask of me things I do not understand and of wonder to me. My response should be of a servant’s heart. Right now, I am tempted to “kick” against what I perceive would take a lot of effort and sacrifice on my part. I need to have a thankful heart instead and a dependence on God to see me through.
Some things God will ask of me/us may not make sense at the moment. But it will always make sense from an eternal perspective.
10. Comments on the above? How do you think this might have happened?
I wonder how she knew it was something other than the sunlight coming through the window and a wind that moved the shutter? I’m looking forward to seeing how The Chosen portrays it 😉
I’m guessing it might have been like when I heard God speak to me. It took me by surprise and was clear in my head. I was not the one who was thinking what He told me. He just spoke the words to me that He wanted me to know. It was wild!
11. In many churches this Christmas, people will have been told these are fables, fables with a message, but just fables.
A. How does Luke begin his gospel in Luke 1:1-4 – how is this one argument against these being fables?
He explains that he is revealing that of an actual eye witness account. If you know what you saw, then it is not a fable.
This reminds me of the incidents on January 6, 2021 in DC. I was watching the tv and saw with my own eyes how the Capitol police moved the metal barriers and waved people into the Capitol! I said to my husband, “Look! They are letting them into the Capitol! Isn’t that awesome? Those lucky people!” No one will ever convince me differently as to what I saw with my eyes.
B. Read Isaiah 7:13 and state the prophecy.
The virgin will conceive and bear a Son. He will be called Immanuel (God with us).
How is this fulfilled in Luke 1:26-27?
God sends an angel (Gabriel) to a virgin, named Mary, to explain the events to come.
Why do you think that before we even know her name, we are told she is a virgin?
I suppose this might be to make sure all knew that the child would be from God indeed.
I think they were trying to show how she could hear but her mother could not. Of course, we don’t know her mother was there at all.
19. What comments do you have on the above.
20. How, if Mary thought she had been dreaming, could this put any doubts to rest?
Her cousin, Elizabeth, who was too old to have a baby, was pregnant.
21. Read Luke 1:39-45
A. What happened to Elizabeth when Mary arrived?
Her baby leaped in her womb and she was blessed.
B. How might have Elizabeth’s first words (v. 42) blessed Mary?
She calls her and her baby, “blessed .” It night have been a confirmation that God was in charge of all of the events occurring.
C. Read verse 43. Some would have been jealous of the greater honor bestowed upon Mary. What do you think Elizabeth was not? How could you apply this?
Well, it was a responsibility, as well as a blessing, right? Elizabeth is “advanced” in age (I checked three translations, including the KJV). I am raising two young children, at an advanced age, and let me tell you, I am a tired pup a lot! Taking care of a baby is hard work! Then, for that baby to be the King of Everything….that is scary!
I know the answer should be that Elizabeth was humbled in her circumstance, and joyful that God was fulfilling His promises.
I need to remember that God has my own special plan, made just for me, and it is not necessary to be jealous of others.
D. What does Elizabeth tell Mary just happened? Significance? Thoughts?
She says her baby leaped in her womb. I see it as God speaking to the women. I love that Mary had someone to confide in and be a support to her.
E. How does Elizabeth encourage Mary in verse 45? Since this was all because of the Holy Spirit, why do you think she says this? Share everything you can.
She calls Mary “blessed” and says the Lord has been faithful to her because she believed He would. The KJV says there will be a “…performance of those things…” meaning that there will be events that occur in the future. The Holy Spirit is God. God is conducting the symphony here.
22. Mary stayed 3 months. This is my imagination, but I think probable. Share your thoughts.
Every translation I checked says Elizabeth was about 5 months pregnant and Mary stays 3 months. I just wonder where her mom was and why she allowed her young daughter to travel to Elizabeth in the first place? She was 14 or so, right? She probably stayed to help?
A. I imagine Mary might have fear Joseph might not believe her story when she returned. How might have Elizabeth, knowing about how God dealt with her doubting husband, have encouraged Mary?
She could have told her the story of Zechariah not speaking, and, in fact, Mary might have been in the presence of him during her stay, for proof. That would make me believe!
B. I believe the reason Mary stayed 3 months was to help with the birth of John the Baptist. Matthew Henry says, “Though Luke does not say she was there, the probability is that is why she stayed so long.” What do you think? Why might this have been a helpful mentoring experience?
Well, she too would have to go through the birth of Jesus and perhaps she had never seen a birth or known how it all works. It definitely would give her knowledge for her own experience later!
23. Scholars count 30 to 50 allusions to Scripture in Mary’s Magnificat. She knew Scripture. As you read it, what part becomes radioactive to you? (Luke 1:46-55) How do you see wonder?
I am struck by the faithfulness of God through generations. It gives me hope.
She mentions how God has blessed those who believed and remained faithful through the years.
”He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful.“
Luke 1:50-54 NLT
15. Compare Zechariah’s doubt in Luke 1:18 to Mary’s doubt in Luke 1:34. What is the difference and how does God respond to each differently? My version says Zechariah asked how he could be certain indicating he wanted assurance Mary asked how can it be to me indicating how could the miracle happen. Zechariah may have had doubts and couldn’t speak any of those to Elizabeth Mary maybe believed it could happen just didn’t understand how
16. What are some very specific ways Gabriel encourages Mary in Luke 1:35-37? Explains Holy Spirit will come upon her and power of Most High would over shadow her Advanced aged Elizabeth was pregnant No word from God ever fails
17. What does Gabriel tell Mary in verse 36. List all the reasons you can think of for this. Elizabeth in her old age, your relative, is in her sixth month To open her eyes to the seemingly impossible made possible
18. Find out how far a walk it was for this newly pregnant girl to go from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Why do you think she was so determined to get quickly to Elizabeth’s home. Find all the reasons you can. 91 miles. To get out of town to process what was going on. To be with someone familiar with miraculous pregnancy.
Great job on miles!
whoops! I totally missed a few questions along the way 🤷🏻♀️
12. List all the reasons you can for Mary being confused, troubled, and perplexed.
She had an angel visit! It scared her.
She was a humble person. She was confused as to why God chose her.
She didn’t know how it would occur.
13. Why do you think she responded as she did in Luke 1:38?
She loved the Lord and trusted His Ways.
14. Why might God be reminding you of this now?
Our children have trouble being adults. We jump in and help them. Maybe we should just let the chips fall as they may (so hard). It might be God trying to reach them. Trust Him and stay out of the way.
Praying for wisdom for you Laura with each child
Thursday: The Journey of Faith
15. Compare Zechariah’s doubt in Luke 1:18 to Mary’s doubt in Luke 1:34. What is the difference and how does God respond to each differently? – In the NIV it shows the word ‘sure’ for Zechariah’s comment and in Mary’s she just asks how it can be. It seems like Zechariah wants a guarantee of some kind. Because of his lack of faith or trust in God, he is silenced for his unbelief, where Mary’s answer from God is an explanation of what will happen and how important this baby’s birth is.
16. What are some very specific ways Gabriel encourages Mary in Luke 1:35-37? – He tells her that the power of the Most High will overshadow her and that Elizabeth is even going to have a baby in her old age. I never thought about the comment “the power of the Most High will overshadow you” before. I’m wondering if this is to remove any fear she may have had being that she was so young and unknowing.
17. What does Gabriel tell Mary in verse 36. List all the reasons you can think of for this. – He tells her about Elizabeth who is now pregnant in her old age after being barren for so long. I think it was said because it would give Mary a person to go talk to and get guidance from; Elizabeth was farther along in her faith in God and may be able to tell her how faithful God has been to her along the years.
18. Find out how far a walk it was for this newly pregnant girl to go from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Why do you think she was so determined to get quickly to Elizabeth’s home. Find all the reasons you can. – I looked up the distance and see that is it 91 miles/about 30 hours at least. The reasons I found are that she went to get help and support that God provided for her in Elizabeth; She wanted or needed someone to endorse her story so others would believe her; she wanted to be with someone who understood what she was going through. These were what came up when I googled, and I think they all make sense. What a strange circumstance she was now in that she would have to try and explain to people so she was not made to be an outcast. To tell others that an angel appeared to her, that she got pregnant by the Most High and just who this baby was going to be and the power he would have. I’m sure people would think she was crazy.
Love your answers to 18!
How, if Mary thought she had been dreaming, could this put any doubts to rest? Elizabeth confirmed that the mother of her Savior came to her
21. Read Luke 1:39-45
A. What happened to Elizabeth when Mary arrived? Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit
B. How might have Elizabeth’s first words (v. 42) blessed Mary? She confirmed that Mary was blessed among women and so was the child she would bear
C. Read verse 43. Some would have been jealous of the greater honor bestowed upon Mary. What do you think Elizabeth was not? How could you apply this? Elizabeth had been enjoying a long awaited and surprising pregnancy She also was a faithful righteous follower of God
D. What does Elizabeth tell Mary just happened? Significance? Thoughts? The child within her leaped for joy The magnificence of what God in these 2 women as scripture has prophesied after 400?(not sure accurate) years of silence. I love that they were brought together Mary probably needed the encouragement and to share this wondrous experience with someone who would have had a deeper understanding than most Also Elizabeth voices no doubt in who the baby is
E. How does Elizabeth encourage Mary in verse 45? Since this was all because of the Holy Spirit, why do you think she says this? Share everything you can. Blessed is she who believed the Lord s promises to her Confirmation of what was happening And encouraging Mary to persevere in the possible uncertainty and events to follow
22. Mary stayed 3 months. This is my imagination, but I think probable. Share your thoughts.
A. I imagine Mary might have fear Joseph might not believe her story when she returned. How might have Elizabeth, knowing about how God dealt with her doubting husband, have encouraged Mary? She could have encouraged Mary that God had these wondrous things and He would take care of the rest Even though Zechariah doubted God’s plan wasn’t thwarted
B. I believe the reason Mary stayed 3 months was to help with the birth of John the Baptist. Matthew Henry says, “Though Luke does not say she was there, the probability is that is why she stayed so long.” What do you think? Why might this have been a helpful mentoring experience? I think it would have been good for her to be with Elizabeth to see the joy and pregnant with a child that was part of scripture fulfillment
23. Scholars count 30 to 50 allusions to Scripture in Mary’s Magnificat. She knew Scripture. As you read it, what part becomes radioactive to you? (Luke 1:46-55) How do you see wonder? My spirit rejoices in God my Savior (something we can all delight in) He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. He has done great things for me all generations will call me blessed. I see awe of “why me, Lord that You would honor me so “
Friday: Visitation
19. What comments do you have on the above. – It seemed that the others standing around sensed how blessed Mary was, they all came out to see her and stopped what they were doing. They sensed it even before she said anything.
20. How, if Mary thought she had been dreaming, could this put any doubts to rest? – when she saw Elizabeth pregnant and that the baby in her womb lept inside when she started talking. This alone should have removed any doubts she had of what was happening to her.
21. Read Luke 1:39-45
A. What happened to Elizabeth when Mary arrived? – The baby she was carrying leaped in her womb, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit.
B. How might have Elizabeth’s first words (v. 42) blessed Mary? – She would have known that Elizabeth believed her and that she was highly favored by God to be carrying Jesus.
C. Read verse 43. Some would have been jealous of the greater honor bestowed upon Mary. Why do you think Elizabeth was not? How could you apply this? – I think Elizabeth had so much faith and trust in God that she knew she was right where she was to be. And maybe since she was older, she felt the favor that was placed on Mary being younger would be somewhat easier. I know being older I would not be able to take care of a baby as special as Jesus.
D. What does Elizabeth tell Mary just happened? Significance? Thoughts? – That the baby in her womb leaped for joy. Could the significance be that most would turn away from him, but that there was hope that Elizabeth’s baby would welcome, believe and trust in the one to come? That Elizabeth’s baby would be excited to follow him?
E. How does Elizabeth encourage Mary in verse 45? Since this was all because of the Holy Spirit, why do you think she says this? Share everything you can. – I would think though you want to trust and believe what was told to you, there would be some confusion and doubt of just how this would all come about. I think it brings Mary hope that all will be ok, because of it all being from the Holy Spirit, that she does not need to worry, God is faithful to accomplish all he starts.
22. Mary stayed 3 months. This is my imagination, but I think probable. Share your thoughts.
A. I imagine Mary might have fear Joseph might not believe her story when she returned. How might have Elizabeth, knowing about how God dealt with her doubting husband, have encouraged Mary? – She could have told Mary exactly what happened with them and that he had doubted too, but all still worked out because everything was done by God’s plan
B. I believe the reason Mary stayed 3 months was to help with the birth of John the Baptist. Matthew Henry says, “Though Luke does not say she was there, the probability is that is why she stayed so long.” What do you think? Why might this have been a helpful mentoring experience? – My NIV version says that Mary stayed about 3 months. I would have to agree, and I always thought that Mary stayed to help Elizabeth with the delivery. It makes sense for her to stay and see just how everything happens and use Elizabeth’s delivery as a learning tool. I never thought about that before. I wonder though, where was Mary’s mother at, was she not helping Mary through this? I’ll have to dig into that and see what I can find.
23. Scholars count 30 to 50 allusions to Scripture in Mary’s Magnificat. She knew Scripture. As you read it, what part becomes radioactive to you? (Luke 1:46-55) How do you see wonder? – I see that because of this birth, Mary’s status has changed from a humble and unknown status to one who is now highly favored and blessed. God has again shown everyone, rulers, kings and the wealthy that those things they have do not matter to him. He takes those who love and believe in Him, who are faithful to Him and put aside all of what they may have to be high and above all others. Oh, thank you Lord, for taking those who have nothing and making us something and worthy of your eternal love.
15. Compare Zechariah’s doubt in Luke 1:18 to Mary’s doubt in Luke 1:34. What is the difference and how does God respond to each differently?
Zechariah seems doubtful whereas Mary just questions how it will happen. God silences Zechariah. He gives Mary more explanation
16. What are some very specific ways Gabriel encourages Mary in Luke 1:35-37?
He says the Holy Spirit will come upon her and the Baby will be the Son of God.
He says that Elizabeth has also conceived. God was faithful to her.
17. What does Gabriel tell Mary in verse 36. List all the reasons you can think of for this.
He tells her about Elizabeth’s pregnancy. I suppose he tells her so she will have a stronger belief? So she doesn’t feel alone?
18. Find out how far a walk it was for this newly pregnant girl to go from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Why do you think she was so determined to get quickly to Elizabeth’s home. Find all the reasons you can.
i believe it’s about 100 miles.
She was excited for her cousin.
She was excited for herself!
She was scared.
She was confused and wanted to verify the event.
She wanted to share with Elizabeth.
She wanted support from Elizabeth.
Thursday: The Journey of Faith
Keller makes a convincing case for Mary making a journey of faith, beginning with doubt, but not the kind of doubt that is the sign of a closed mind, but one that seeks to understand.
15. Compare Zechariah’s doubt in Luke 1:18 to Mary’s doubt in Luke 1:34. What is the difference and how does God respond to each differently?
Zechariah: How can I be sure? He is older. Mary: how can this be? Mary is very young. Zechariah doubted the messenger; Mary doubted herself. God made Zechariah unable to speak until John’s birth. God was gentle with Mary and answered her questions.
16. What are some very specific ways Gabriel encourages Mary in Luke 1:35-37?
The way the spirit will overshadow her. Gabriel mentioned Elizabeth’s pregnancy and he pronounced fulfillment of the word.
17. What does Gabriel tell Mary in verse 36. List all the reasons you can think of for this.
Elizabeth’s pregnancy is impossible to happen but she is pregnant so that should help Mary know that what is happening to her is also possible. She will have help from Elizabeth.
18. Find out how far a walk it was for this newly pregnant girl to go from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Why do you think she was so determined to get quickly to Elizabeth’s home. Find all the reasons you can.
It is about 70 miles. If you walked for 15 minutes per mile, it would have taken 17 hours to finish! That is in good walking paths. Mary must have traveled with others doing commerce in Bethlehem or had one reason or another to go there. I wonder what her parents thought of her trip. What was Mary’s mother like?
Perhaps Mar was looking for empathy, someone to talk to who is in the same boat as her, seeking some mentoring. I want to think that her parents gave her their blessings and they believed her and believed the prophecy.
Friday: Visitation
19. What comments do you have on the above.
20. How, if Mary thought she had been dreaming, could this put any doubts to rest?
Elizabeth did not know about Mary being pregnant but pronounced a blessing to her and mentioned that Mary was the mother of her Lord!
21. Read Luke 1:39-45
A. What happened to Elizabeth when Mary arrived?
She felt the baby leaping in her womb, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit.
A. How might have Elizabeth’s first words (v. 42) blessed Mary?
Elizabeth confirmed to Mary that she was the mother of both of their same Lord.
B. Read verse 43. Some would have been jealous of the greater honor bestowed upon Mary. What do you think Elizabeth was not? How could you apply this?
Elizabeth must have been full of gratitude already with her pregnancy at such an old age that she was humbled to be receiving another honor by the visit of her Lord’s mother.
I can be grateful for the blessing God has given me instead of being jealous of what He has given other women.
C. What does Elizabeth tell Mary just happened? Significance? Thoughts?
The baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy upon hearing Mary’s voice. John, the Baptist, perhaps, was welcoming his Savior. John recognizes everyone/everything connected with Jesus.
D. How does Elizabeth encourage Mary in verse 45? Since this was all because of the Holy Spirit, why do you think she says this? Share everything you can.
Mary’s joy is because she believes in what the angel told her. That what is conceived of her is the Son of God. If Mary was fearful, Elizabeth’s blessing would put her fears aside.
From Mary: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
From Elizabeth: Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
22. Mary stayed 3 months. This is my imagination, but I think probable. Share your thoughts.
Maybe she wanted to help with John’s delivery? She wanted to learn as much as she could.
A. I imagine Mary might have fear Joseph might not believe her story when she returned. How might have Elizabeth, knowing about how God dealt with her doubting husband, have encouraged Mary?
B. She and Mary may have recounted their own experience with the angel. She must also have reminded Mary that Joseph is a righteous man and would do what God wants him to do.
C. I believe the reason Mary stayed 3 months was to help with the birth of John the Baptist. Matthew Henry says, “Though Luke does not say she was there, the probability is that is why she stayed so long.” What do you think? Why might this have been a helpful mentoring experience?
Mary was very young. She wouldn’t have known what to do.
23. Scholars count 30 to 50 allusions to Scripture in Mary’s Magnificat. She knew Scripture. As you read it, what part becomes radioactive to you? (Luke 1:46-55) How do you see wonder?
Mary acknowledged that god is her Savior and her attitude of gratitude and humility is shown by her recollection of what God has done in the lives of those who are humble in spirit. “He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant.”
Saturday:
24. What is your take-a-way and why?
God chooses the weak and the humble. He chose Mary for a purpose; He has chosen each one of us for a purpose and nothing and no one can prevent that from happening. Others may not understand why we do what we do following God’s will. But we can have the wonder and joy of Mary when we submit in humility.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
24. What is your take-a-way and why? Wonder. Out Almighty God has done so much to bring us close. He used 2 unlikely women. Elizabeth helping to affirm Mary with her miraculous pregnancy and Mary’s quiet submission to an extraordinary angel’s visit. Thank you for this study the last 4 weeks.