The Holy Miracle of Christmas

“The Holy Miracle of Christmas”

Luke 1:26-48

Take-Home Truth: God does beautiful things through a life previously immersed in sin; however, Mary chose the greater beauty of purity and obedience.

Christ-Connection: The hope of Christmas is anchored in Jesus’ response on the cross, “Not my will, but thine be done.”

Recap: (Talk about last week)

1. Between the Testaments God had been silent for 400 years and the world was a dark place. In preparation for the coming Messiah God performs a miracle through an unlikely couple (Elizabeth and Zechariah). Share how you have shined the light of God’s love in the dark world this past week.

Engage: (Observe the passage and engage with the text)

2. Read Luke 1:26-48 and discuss the following questions:

• What was significant about the place?
• What was special about Mary?
• What was Mary’s response to the news that she would give birth to the Messiah?
• What was Mary’s one question?

Reflect: (Reflect upon the key take-aways from the sermon)

3. Discuss why the virgin birth is an essential part of the gospel.

4. Read Ephesians 2:4-9 and Titus 3:4-7 and talk about this in light of grace being received as opposed to being chased after.

5. The greater blessing is a pure life of obedience to God (Luke 1:38; Luke 11:27-28). Culturally what makes this difficult?

Respond: (Apply the truths of God’s Word to your heart, affections, and actions)

6. Richard said, “God plants faith by the Holy Spirit and He grows our faith through the lips of other believers.” Who are you listening to who help strengthen and grow your faith?

7. Our questions are typically circumstance driven while Mary’s was by holiness. In what ways could our questions be driven the same as Mary’s?

8. The angel’s response to Mary’s question pointed to another miracle God performed to help strengthen her faith (Elizabeth being pregnant in late life). Share a story of God’s work in someone else’s life that has strengthened your faith?