Podcasts about even elizabeth

Isaiah 9:6-7a NIV6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7a Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.1. The process often involves what the world would call RISK.Luke 1:26-38 NIV26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.Luke 1:46-49 NIV46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name.1. The process often involves what the world would call RISK.2. The process often involves what the world would call REJECTION.Luke 2:1, 3-7 NIV1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world…3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.Matthew 16:24 NIV24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”.Matthew 16:25 NIV25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.1. The process often involves what the world would call RISK.2. The process often involves what the world would call REJECTION.3. The process often involves what the world would call RECKLESSNESS.

Luke 1:26-3826 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Simple Christmas Pt. 1 | December 7, 2025Pastor Wes Morris Isaiah 9:2-3, 6-7 (NIV) The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest...For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end.✓  HOPE DOESN'T ALWAYS SHOW UP THE WAY WE EXPECTED.Romans 8:24-25 (TLB) We are saved by trusting. And trusting means looking forward to getting something we don't yet have—for a man who already has something doesn't need to hope and trust that he will get it. But if we must keep trusting God for something that hasn't happened yet, it teaches us to wait patiently and confidently.✓  WE LOOK FOR HOPE IN THE WRONG PLACES.Psalm 20:7 (NIV) Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.You don't realize Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have. - Tim KellerSIMPLY HOPEI. HOLD ON TO GOD'S PROMISE EVEN WHEN YOU CAN'T SEE THE PLAN.Luke 1:34-37 (NIV) How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”II. SURRENDER WHAT YOU CAN'T CONTROL.Luke 1:38 (NLT) Mary said, “I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants. May everything you said come true.”Psalm 37:5 (NLT) Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.III. START WHERE YOU ARE - HOPE GROWS WHEN YOU TAKE THE FIRST STEP.Romans 15:13 (NIV) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS1. Where in your life do you feel like hope isn't showing up the way you expected?How might God be working in ways you can't see yet?2. What are some “chariots and horses” you tend to trust in when life feels uncertain?What would it look like to shift that trust back to God this week?3. Is there an area right now where God is inviting you to surrender something you can't control?What is one step of obedience you can take today?4. Hope grows when we start where we are.What is a small, practical step you can take this week to move toward hope instead of waiting to feel hopeful first?

On Sunday, December 7, 2025, VLC gathered in person and also broadcast online via YouTube. Pastor Stuart Nice continued our Advent series, encouraging us to…- Cultivate awareness of the heavenly story in your life- Embrace God's desire to bless through you- Follow the pattern of Mary's apprenticeshipLuke 1:26-38 (NIV)In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”“I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.https://bit.ly/Luke1_26-38NIV

Preacher: Kathy Maskell Isaiah 9:2-7 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4 For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 5 Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Luke 1:26-38 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end." 34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" 35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail." 38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her. 

P.O.G. Daily Pause: Monday - Luke 1:28-388 The angel went to (Mary) and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.Notes:  I see vs. 38 as a consecration prayer or declaration of surrender and commitment to God…. Wow…. So cool!  Look how her commitment to God is based on the word and promises of God.35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Finding Jesus in Unexpected Places // The Human Womb Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)“Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (God with us)” Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” Colossians 2:9 (NIV)“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” Colossians 1:15-22 (NIV)“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” Isaiah 40:12,15 (NLT)“Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? … For all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket. They are nothing more than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand.” John 1:1-4 (NLT)“In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.”     Luke 1:30-39 (NIV)“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacobʼs descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.' ‘How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?' The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.' ‘I am the Lordʼs servant,” Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her. At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea.” Luke 1:41-42 (NIV)“When Elizabeth heard Maryʼs greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!'” Luke 1:44-45 (NIV)“As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Hebrews 4:15-16 (AMP)“For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God's gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”  John 1:14 (NIV)The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (MSG)“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son.” John 1:9-11 (NIV)“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” 

Luke 1:26-38In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”“I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Islington Baptist is a church for the Islington and wider Newcastle community sharing the life-changing message of Jesus. Our sermon / Bible teaching is a central part of our gatherings. Luke 1:35-49 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” 46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has been mindful    of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed,49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—    holy is his name.

Characters of Christmas: Mary, Mother of JesusLuke 1:26-3826 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. CONNECT WITH USIf you have any questions or would like to get to know us further, head over to https://www.triumphlbc.org/connect and fill out our online connection card.ABOUT TRIUMPHTriumph wants to see the life and message of Jesus transform your heart, home, and city. To learn more visit https://www.triumphlbc.org/

Luke 1:26-56 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeths pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgins name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacobs descendants forever; his kingdom will never end. 34 How will this be, Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin? 35 The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail. 38 I am the Lords servant, Mary answered. May your word to me be fulfilled. Then the angel left her.Mary Visits Elizabeth 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariahs home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Marys greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!Marys Song 46 And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed,49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name.50His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.52He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.53He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.54He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful55to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors. 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Bible reading: Luke 1:26-38 (NIVUK) The birth of Jesus foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.' 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.' 34 ‘How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?' 35 The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.' 38 ‘I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her.

Is this Highly Favored?   Luke 1:26-38 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. ***** 28 The angel went to her (Mary) and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.   30  the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. So Mary was favored by God! So, even though Mary was favored she still endured hardship and pain.   Psalm 84:4 - Blessed and greatly favored are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; They will be singing Your praises all the day long.   Ephesians 1:6 - reads As a child of God, you are greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved.   The miracle endured   When you are favored you still have a job to do!   When you are favored you have to surrender to God's will and get to work.    1 Peter 5:8-11 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8nC-RnETd0   But, also remember this doesn't exempt you from heartache and hard times, but it does guarantee you victory if you know him and surrender to him.

Dr.  Brian Hill (Senior Pastor), "An Advent Series:  Through the Eyes of Joseph and Mary". Modern Worship Praise Team (11:15 Service).       18.  This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  19.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.       20.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  21.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”       22.  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  23.  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).       24.  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25.  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.       Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)       26  In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  27.  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  28.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”       29.  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  30.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  31.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  32.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  33.  and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”       34.  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”       35.  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[ the Son of God.  36.  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.  37.  For no word from God will ever fail.”       38.  “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.       Luke 1:26-38  (NIV)

Dr.  Brian Hill (Senior Pastor), "An Advent Series:  Through the Eyes of Joseph and Mary". Handbells, Choir, Blended Worship Praise Team (8:45 Service).       18.  This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  19.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.       20.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  21.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”       22.  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  23.  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).       24.  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25.  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.       Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)       26  In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  27.  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  28.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”       29.  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  30.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  31.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  32.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  33.  and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”       34.  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”       35.  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[ the Son of God.  36.  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.  37.  For no word from God will ever fail.”       38.  “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.       Luke 1:26-38  (NIV)

Dr.  Brian Hill (Senior Pastor), "An Advent Series:  Through the Eyes of Joseph and Mary".       18.  This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  19.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.       20.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  21.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”       22.  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  23.  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).       24.  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25.  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.       Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)       26  In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  27.  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  28.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”       29.  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  30.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  31.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  32.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  33.  and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”       34.  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”       35.  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[ the Son of God.  36.  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.  37.  For no word from God will ever fail.”       38.  “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.       Luke 1:26-38  (NIV)

Dr.  Brian Hill (Senior Pastor), "An Advent Series:  Through the Eyes of Joseph and Mary". Modern Worship Praise Team (11:15 Service).       18.  This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  19.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.       20.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  21.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”       22.  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  23.  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).       24.  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25.  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.       Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)       26  In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  27.  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  28.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”       29.  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  30.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  31.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  32.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  33.  and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”       34.  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”       35.  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[ the Son of God.  36.  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.  37.  For no word from God will ever fail.”       38.  “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.       Luke 1:26-38  (NIV)

Dr.  Brian Hill (Senior Pastor), "An Advent Series:  Through the Eyes of Joseph and Mary". Handbells, Choir, Blended Worship Praise Team (8:45 Service).       18.  This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  19.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.       20.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  21.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”       22.  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  23.  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).       24.  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25.  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.       Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)       26  In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  27.  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  28.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”       29.  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  30.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  31.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  32.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  33.  and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”       34.  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”       35.  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[ the Son of God.  36.  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.  37.  For no word from God will ever fail.”       38.  “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.       Luke 1:26-38  (NIV)

Dr.  Brian Hill (Senior Pastor), "An Advent Series:  Through the Eyes of Joseph and Mary".       18.  This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  19.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.       20.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  21.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”       22.  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  23.  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).       24.  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25.  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.       Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV)       26  In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  27.  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  28.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”       29.  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  30.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.  31.  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  32.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  33.  and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”       34.  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”       35.  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[ the Son of God.  36.  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.  37.  For no word from God will ever fail.”       38.  “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.       Luke 1:26-38  (NIV)

Sunday 24th November 2024 - West and North Sites Sunday 1st December 2024 - Central site AM & PM Speaker - Gemma Jones Gemma introduces our Christmas series - "Come and See!" with a look at Mary's Song in Luke chapter 1. -------- Luke 1 v 26 - 56 26)  In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27)  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28)  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.” 29)  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30)  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. 31)  You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32)  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33)  and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34)  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35)  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36)  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37)  For no word from God will ever fail.” 38)  “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. 39)  At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40)  where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41)  When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42)  In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43)  But why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44)  As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45)  Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” 46)  And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47)      and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, 48)  for he has been mindful      of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49)      for the Mighty One has done great things for me—      holy is His name. 50)  His mercy extends to those who fear him,      from generation to generation. 51)  He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;    He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52)  He has brought down rulers from their thrones      but has lifted up the humble. 53)  He has filled the hungry with good things      but has sent the rich away empty. 54)  He has helped His servant Israel,      remembering to be merciful 55)  to Abraham and his descendants forever,      just as he promised our ancestors.” 56)   Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. -------- Recorded at North Site - 24Nov2024

”Throughout ancient times God spoke in many fragments and glimpses of prophetic thought to our fathers. Now, this entire conversation has finally dawned in sonship…He is the sum total of every utterance of God.” (Hebrew 1:1 – 3 paraphrased) The Birth Of Jesus Foretold Luke 1:26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Who Is Jesus? He is the Word made flesh Proverbs 8:22 “I Wisdom, was with the Lord when he began his work, long before he made anything else..” John 1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…all things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” Colossians 14:20 “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers of authorities, all things have been created for him and through him, and in him all things hold together.” 2. He is the ultimate message to all mankind John 1:18 “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” “Until this moment God remained invisible; now the authentic, incarnate begotten Son, the blueprint of our design who represents the innermost being of God, the Son who is in the bosom of the Father, brings him into full view. He is the official authority qualified to announce God.” (John 1:18 paraphrased). Philippians 2:7 “…but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.” “Concepts create idols, only wonder comprehends anything.” (St Gregory of Nyssa) Mary's Yes 1. She is demonstration of perfect receptivity Luke 1:38 “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

2. Jesus' Birth Luke 1:26-38 - In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.' Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.' 'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, 'since I am a virgin?' The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.' 'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her. Luke 2:1-7 - In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Jesus! That Jesus was a human male is not really disputed. The birth of Jesus is extraordinary at every level. The primary documents about him, found in the Bible, states that he was born of a woman, which in itself tells us that at least in a prenatal state he was nurtured and formed as any other male baby was and is. On the physical level, Jesus was born as any person is, but as regards his conception, He was conceived like no other person - conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). This was so that Jesus would not be given the sinful nature past that all humans have. Jesus was fully human and fully divine. Other documents, outside of the Bible from that time period also attest to Jesus and his existence. Throughout the Old Testament, there is a witness to the birth of the Messiah, the Saviour. From the time of the first sin done by Adam, through the creation of Israel, the life of the Patriarchs and Kings and the oracles of the Prophets - all looking forward to the Messiah coming. The 5 Covenants that God made with people all look forward to this Messiah, this King. This King was to be their hope, their Saviour. His genealogy takes his physical line back to Abraham via David. Abraham was the father of Israel and David the first King. He grew into maturity as any young Jewish boy did. What's in a name? When Jesus was born, his name imbued the very reason he was born. His conception and birth were extraordinary at every level. So important is our understanding of the birth of Jesus that no fewer than 4 angels come to give us a full picture of the event. Do you think that his parents, Joseph & Mary, or God, ever gazed upon him, and thought "How misnamed he is"! They did not, because they knew the very purpose for which he was born. Did Jesus ever think of how misnamed he was? Certainly not! His name means one who saves, or a rescuer. The entirety of his birth, life and death were centred on this very role. His role was to save all those who would follow Him. He is the most talked about person in history. Almost everyone has an opinion about him. He was born to confirm God's promises, to reveal God as a Father, and to be our representative before Him. He gave us an example of how to live a holy life to the full. He was not merely a man who received some special power. He was not some strange creation that was half man and half God, with his human nature somehow absorbed into the divine. He was, as we shall see in this series, much more than those ideas! One of the Church Fathers, Anselm, wrote that God's salvation plan for humans involved triumphant victory over sin, death and the grave. However no person could be found that was eligible or capable to do this. Because of this, God stepped into human history, so that this victory could be achieved. This God-man would be fully human, so as to live every feature of humanity, including suffering and death. This God-man would also need to remain fully God, so as to defeat sin, death and the grave. Jesus, being sinless, was this God-man, consisting as he did of two complete natures, the God nature and the human nature. That is why Jesus being both fully God and fully human is all important - without either, He could not be the long awaited Messiah and Saviour. That Jesus is both human and divine is what makes Christianity unique amongst the world's religions. It is why Jesus' claims to be the only way to God are true and make sense, and it is why millions of people today worship Him and acknowledge Him as their Lord and their God. From what we know of his childhood and early life, we know that he grew in stature and wisdom (Luke 2:52) For more to think about please do read Matthew 1:18-2:23. Ask yourself the following questions and see how you respond or react to them. 1. How important to me is every aspect of the conception and birth of Jesus Christ? 2. What lessons can I learn from other characters in these early chapters of the Gospels - Joseph, Mary, Shepherds, Wise Men, Simeon and Anna. 3. What aspects of the whole story of Jesus physical conception and birth am I not familiar with? Right mouse click or tap here to save this podcast episode as a mp3

Welcome to Day 2294 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom The Characters of Christmas-3 Mary, The Simple Girl at the Center of Everything – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 12/11/2022 The Characters of Christmas: Mary, The Simple Girl at the Center of Everything Last week we continued our Advent series as we explored A Christmas Miracle: The Story of Zachariah and Elizabeth. Today, we continue our third Advent series character as we explore Mary, the Simple Girl at the Center of Everything. Our initial scripture for today is Luke 1:26-45, on pages 1588-89 in the pew Bible. Follow along as I read.  The Birth of Jesus Foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Mary Visits Elizabeth 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” The city of...

Luke 1:26-38 NIV 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shcc/message

Islington Baptist is a church in Newcastle, Australia sharing the life-changing message of Jesus. Our sermon/bible teaching is a central part of our gatherings. Luke 1:26-56 - NIV11 version. 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” 46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has been mindful    of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed,49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—    holy is his name.50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,    from generation to generation.51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones    but has lifted up the humble.53 He has filled the hungry with good things    but has sent the rich away empty.54 He has helped his servant Israel,    remembering to be merciful55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,    just as he promised our ancestors.” 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Bible readings: Romans 16:25-27 25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith – 27 to the only wise God be glory for ever through Jesus Christ! Amen. Luke 1:26-38 The birth of Jesus foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.' 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.' 34 ‘How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?' 35 The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.' 38 ‘I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her.

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail. “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:34-38). Among the various ways to reflect on this angel visitation, pondering Mary's response is beneficial. Even though the events that take place with her are unique, her attitudes and response are held up within the narrative as worthy of praise and emulation. She is honored by God not for her own merit, nor for what she has done, but because she is the chosen vessel for this display of God's grace. This is a beautiful thing. God choose her simply because. She is the person whom God unexpectedly chooses to use, bringing no outstanding credentials to the task. Living on the edge of the nation, she brings nothing on her résumé. Many of us live with this nagging sense that we are unusable, that our résumés too thin. God will have none of that. He created us! Though we may be marred and broken by sin, we are never beyond repair. Nor are we ever beyond use for his purposes. We wonder how salvation will overcome all the obstacles of sin, ignorance, and defiance that we place in its path. Like Mary, we ask "how will this be" that God troubles with such a wretched, self-centred, inconsistent, and spiritually impoverished person as me? God just smiles saying, “Watch me!” Like Mary we may initially resist when God comes calling. But we are invited to move from fright to willingness. When she says, “I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled,” Mary is not saying, “It's so clear now! I get it!” nor “I love this plan and I'm excited to be part of it.” She is saying, “I have many questions, but I will follow.” This is an important space for us to occupy. Some of us refuse to move toward Jesus unless it all comes together for us—rationally, emotionally, and personally. It is either rapturous joy in God or nothing at all. But often we can only do what Mary does—submit and trust despite the fears and reservations. That gives us a foothold for moving forward. “Let it be to me as you have said,” Mary concludes (38). This was no simple matter. She is being asked to bear a child as an unmarried virgin. In joining God and his redemption plan, she will probably become the object of much doubt and ridicule. Still, as God's servant, she will allow him to work through her as he wills. He can place her in whatever difficult circumstances he desires, for she trusts him. The apostle Paul invites us to make this our permanent posture towards God. To the Galatians, he wrote, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (5:25). We do not, in fact, we cannot know where the Spirit may lead us. When we cannot see how God can use us, God says, “Watch me!” When we do not know where we need to go, God says, “Trust me!” Take time this Advent to sit with Mary. See her move from “What on earth” to “Alright Lord, I will trust you.” And let the Spirit lead you on the same journey. Though you walk in darkness, may you see the great light. Though you live in a land of deep shadows—may you see light! sunbursts of light! May God increase your life, expand your joy. May you be glad in his presence! May God give you the joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings (cf. Isaiah 9:2-3 MSG).

He Shall Be Called // Prince of PeaceIsaiah 9:6-7a NIVFor to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.1. The process often involves what the world would call RISK.Luke 1:26-38 NIV26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.Luke 1:46-49 NIV46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name.2. The process often involves what the world would call REJECTION.Luke 2: 1,3-7 NIV1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.Matthew 16:24 NIV24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.Matthew 16:25 NIV25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.3. The process often involves what the world would call RECKLESSNESS.Questions1. Have there been times in your life that you knew God was calling you to something that felt risky? How did you respond and why?2. Have you ever dealt with rejection? Can you see any possible way that God was able to use it for good? How can thinking back on that time help with your responses to the call of God right now in this season?3. How can remembering God's reckless love and inclusion help shape your responses to Him and what He is asking of you today?

Luke 1:26-29 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.    Wait in confusion with a Word.  1. God has a plan.   Luke 1:30-35 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 2. God will overshadow you. Luke 1:36-37 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 3. God will give you examples of faithfulness. Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. 4. Accept your God-given identity before you feel complete. Luke 1:39-40 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 5. Hurry to people who can help. Luke 1:41-44 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.   6. Jump for joy. Luke 1:45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” 7. Keep believing. Luke 1:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home 8. Make preparations. If you wait in confusion with a Word, you can wait in confusion with confidence.

Unlikely Choice – Mary  Luke 1:26-38 (NIV) In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.'Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.'‘How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?'The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.'‘I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her. 1.     The Choices of God can be troubling to our human understanding. “God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee…The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.” 2. Surrendering our plans to God always leads to something ultimately eternally greater than our original plan and expectation. Luke 1:30 (NIV)But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.' 3. God's choices and way leads to miracles.  Luke 1:31-33 (NIV)“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)“The mind of man plans His way, But the Lord directs his steps” And as he directs your steps you hold on to the promise that Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. verse 34.“Mary asked the “But How can this happen? I am a virgin” NLT Verse 37. "Nothing is impossible with God!” Luke 1:38 (NLT) Mary responded, “I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”

Morning Worship 19 Nov.'23

In this week's episode of Mr. Curiosity, the Brown Bag speaks! Not only is Joe overwhelmed with the lady power of Mindi and Elizabeth, but emotions run high as we address your questions to Elizabeth Worthington on her last day at WNEP. Even Elizabeth's boyfriend speaks from the great beyond....beyond the Brown Bag!? Get your questions in for future episodes to brownbag@wnep.com 

In this week's episode of Mr. Curiosity, the Brown Bag speaks! Not only is Joe overwhelmed with the lady power of Mindi and Elizabeth, but emotions run high as we address your questions to Elizabeth Worthington on her last day at WNEP. Even Elizabeth's boyfriend speaks from the great beyond....beyond the Brown Bag!? Get your questions in for future episodes to brownbag@wnep.com 

http://bible.com/events/49064689 Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg Stories of Your Life Part 3: Mary Mary- With Jesus at the beginning, with him until the end. Welcome back to our Sunday morning teaching series “Stories of Your Life” As a church family we are seeking to understand the meaning and the impact of Passion week through the perspectives and stories of key people involved. They are not stories of “our lives” of course, but stories that undergird the new life available to us in Christ.They are the stories that challenge us, encourage us, and point us to the Life. Augustine Him whom the heavens cannot contain, the womb of one woman bore. She ruled our Ruler; she carried Him in whom we are; she gave milk to our Bread. Warren Wiersbe “The first time we meet Mary in the gospel of John, she is attending a wedding (John 2:1-11); now she is preparing for a burial. The hour has come!” ‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭23‬-‭25 ‬‬When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let's not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let's decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. If you pay attention, Mary's life will teach you FAITH ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭38 ‬‬In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. MARY'S STORY DEMONSTRATES F.A.I.T.H.‭‭ John‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭5 ‬‬On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭14‬‬ Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Vickie Kraft She had known the presence of God all through these years. She knew what it was to raise a large family, to economize on a tight budget. She experienced slurs on her reputation. She knew unbelief in her own family as her other sons rejected her firstborn all their lives until after his resurrection. But now that Jesus' earthly life was over, she asked for no special place of honor. She was simply another worshipper of her Lord. Faithfulness Availability Intimacy Trust Humility ST. TERESA OF AVILA God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.‭‭ Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20 ‬‬I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Giving at COTN If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@cotnaz.org Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ! https://www.cotnaz.org/giving/

Saturday, December 24: Adore - Christmas EveWeek 4 - Daniel Knutson: "God's Participation & Invitation" Luke 1:26-38In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”“I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 2:1-18In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. John 1:1-9In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it... The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

Luke 1:26-38   New International Version     In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

21. Mary is called by God Today we continue looking at the people of the Christmas story. Today we start a series of 4 podcasts looking at Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary, to whom was given the great privilege and awesome responsibility of carrying and giving birth to God's Son, the Messiah. Mary was probably a teenager when she received this visit from the angel Gabriel to tell her that the Lord had chosen her for this very special purpose. Come and listen to find out more about this part in the Christmas story! 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.' 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.' 34 ‘How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?' 35 The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.' 38 ‘I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:26-38)   Right Mouse click or tap here to save this as an audio mp3 file Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe or share

“In every great story (or in every great romance,) there are three things: a hero, a maiden, and a dragon.” G.K. Chesterton. The Maiden In Luke 1:26-29, Mary has had an appearance of an angel that calls himself Gabriel and tells her that she is highly favored and so on and so forth. For more on this scene watch the video “Blessed are you among women.” So, Mary is standing there dumbfounded, terrified, and in her mind she's thinking about scripture. She is beginning to add up the facts of scripture. What is interesting is that later in the chapter, “The Song of Mary” contains 15 references to Old Testament scriptures. Off the top of her head, she sings a song composed of 15 Old Testament texts. Anybody want to try that? This woman was a scholar of scripture, which tells me since she likely was not pushed to learn the law, she was searching on her own. She loved the word of God. So now we have the announcement of the Hero's birth in Luke 1:30-33. The Angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary.” This command is given us more than all others in Scripture. Why is that? Because we're creatures of fear. You know why we're creatures of fear. I don't know if you're fearful about what's going on around the world, but there are, you know, sometimes fearful things that we begin to see. Faith conquers fear. God intends faith to overcome. And you say, why are we creatures of fear? Because we were born into a sinful race. You know, we're told in Hebrews 2:14-15 that Satan is the one who holds the power of fear over humans. Christ came to deliver us from fear. And so Gabriel repeats the message that God so often gives us. Gabriel next says, “You have found favor with God.” The first time that occurs is about Noah in Genesis 6:8. “The whole world was corrupt, and the Lord looked and saw that the world had corrupted its way before Him, but Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” Would you like to find favor with God? You know how you find favor? You look for it in the right place. It's right here in Scripture. As we open His word, we find that Jesus Christ is manifest before us. John 1:14 says, “The word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” Grace and Truth. We have to be full of Truth if we want to get the Grace. She found favor (Grace) in the sight of God. The Hero Gabriel then says, “Behold, you conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and call his name Jesus.” It might interest you to know that Jesus in the Hebrew is Yeshua which means, “The salvation of Jehovah.” Yeshua, where does Yeshua first occur in the Old Testament? Did you know that Whenever you read, “The Salvation of the Lord” in the Old Testament you're reading the name in Hebrew, “Yeshua?” First time it occurs in Genesis 49:18 where Jacob is giving prophecies concerning his sons. He comes to the son Dan and says he is like a serpent that bites the heels of the horse and causes the rider to fall a serpent. The very next thing Jacob says is, “Oh Lord, I have waited for Yeshua,” Isn't that precious? Yeshua is next used again and Exodus 14:13 immediately after the Passover. Moses and the children of Israel have come out of Egypt. They finally got to a place where the armies of the Egyptians are behind them, mountains are on both sides and the Red Sea is in front of them. The people begin to panic. What does Moses say? “Stand still and you will see Yeshua.” I find that to be absolutely amazing, especially when just the night before they took the blood of the lamb and struck the door post and the lintel. What do you think that blood made on the door? It made a cross. Isn't it amazing. So, there's three things that Gabriel says this Son is going to have: 1) the House of David, 2) the throne of his father, David; 3) He's going to reign over His. Once again, Mary is a student of scripture. Mary is sharp, and she hears three things: a house, a throne, and a kingdom. 2nd Samuel 7:12 says, “When your days are fulfilled, you rest with your fathers, (speaking here, of David) and I will set up your seed after you who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.” Now notice, particularly verse 13, “He shall build a house for My name. I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” You see it? A house, a throne, a kingdom. There is no doubt in my mind that Mary was able to put that together. The next section, Luke 1:34-38 starts when Mary now asks a question, “How can these things be?” How is it going to be accomplished? “Since I am a virgin.” The angel answered. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called a Son of God. Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age. And she who was said to be unable to conceive, is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail. I am Lord's servant, Mary answered, May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. When Mary asked the question, “How can these things be?” It sounds very much like the questions Zacharias asked in Luke 1:18. Zacharias said, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, an old man, and my wife has advanced in years.” The angel rebuked him because of Zacharias unbelief.” Mary's question sounds very much the same, but you see, God knows the heart. God knows the secrets of the heart. And Mary's question here simply has to do with her virginity. “I do not know a man.” And so the angel basically explains that the entire God-head will to go to work as a team and you're going to have a child.. “The Holy Spirit,” he says, “will come upon you and the power of the Highest.” The Most High God is El Elyon of the Old Testament, Then “that Holy One” who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” And so the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit meet together. Gabriel gives to Mary further comfort. “Elizabeth, your relative, has conceived a son in her old age and is now in the sixth month for her who was called baron, for with God, nothing shall be impossible.” Did you ever stop to think that the amazing, miraculous work that God did in Mary is really in essence, what He does in every person that comes to Christ. Because at the moment we believe in Jesus Christ. He, in the person of His Holy Spirit, takes up personal residence within us. The very fact that you have the Spirit of God dwelling within you says that you have the Godhead within you. Because if you go back to Romans 8:9-11, where Paul says, “if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he has none of his,” he refers to the Holy Spirit three ways. Gabriel said to Mary, “the Lord is with you.” But you know what? The Lord wasn't with her, even in the sense that He is with us. God's work in your life is a miraculous work. Paul understood this, and Paul staked his entire life on it when he wrote to the Galatians and he said in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, I live; yet not I.” Here's the thing. Empty yourself. He'll fill you with the spirit. “Christ lives in me.” How? How is that possible? He said, “The life that I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.” That's the secret. And it's simple. But simple doesn't mean easy. Sometimes simple can be very, very hard. It's very interesting that on one occasion, Jesus disciples, astounded at a statement that He made, said, “Who then can be saved?” You remember what He said? “With men, it's impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” You can check that out in Matthew 19:26. The last we see of Mary here before she departs from the stage, she makes two statements. “Behold a maid servant of the Lord.” And “Let it be according to your Word.” These two statements show us two things about Mary: 1) her availability, and 1) her willingness. Do you think Mary had an inkling of the cost? Do you think she might have realized that this is going to involve some pain? She recognized, for example, that people were not going to understand her situation. Here she is, a young woman who shows up pregnant inviting some shame and disgrace. She likely knew her pregnancy would create some problems for Joseph, as it did. If we look back at the story in Matthew 1:18-20, he was wrestling with in his soul. Apparently, Mary didn't tell Joseph about Gabriel's visit. And so, we see in Matthew he is wrestling because it says when Mary was “found to be with child.” How do you find somebody to be with child? They start showing, right? She is obviously pregnant, and she is unmarried. “Let it be to me.” I wonder how many of us would be able to say that if the Lord put in front of us the greatest privilege that anyone could ever have with some of the greatest suffering and anguish that you could ever go through? Could we say, “Let it be to me, according to your word.” Do you know what she does here? She said the same thing her Son would say 33 years later in the Garden of Gethsemane. She was going through her own Gethsemane. “All those who journey sooner or late, Must pass beyond the garden gate; Must kneel alone in anguish there, and wrestle with some deep despair. God pity those who only pray, “Let this cup pass,” Who cannot say, “Not mine, but thine,” Who do not see, the purpose of Gethsemane.” We all have our Gethsemane to go through. But we can always say, “Let it be to me according to your word.” Mary couldn't have anticipated what was going to be told to her in Luke 2:35, when Simeon meets her and says, “a sword will pierce through your own soul also.” Now we're talking the cross and her eventually watching her Son die in anguish. She also couldn't have figured that 33 years later, as Jesus is contending with the Pharisees, they would take the question of His birth and throw it in His face and say, “We were not born of fornication” (John 8:41), suggesting, of course, that He probably was. The Dragon So far we've seen only a part of the romance of redemption. Moving forward 2000 plus years from the scene with Gabriel, document in Revelation Chapter 12 is the big picture. The woman depicted there with the 12 stars over her head and the moon at her feet represents Israel as we know from the dreams of Joseph. Who represents Israel? “Blessed are you among women.” Particularly the women of Israel. The dragon in Revelation 12 waits for the baby to be born. Here we have Herod and the slaughter of infants. Mary could not have known the phenomenal spiritual cosmic conflict in which she was a small player. Of course, the chapter also anticipates events taking place in the tribulation period. By the way, the stage of the world has been set for the tribulation. That's where we are right now, my friends. Time is short. Revelation 12:9-10 says, “Then I heard a loud voice saying, in heaven now salvation and strength and the kingdom of our God and the power of His Christ have come for the Accuser of our brethren who accused them before our God. Day night has been cast down.” How many times you think this week the devil brought your name up to God? You know, when he accuses us, when we give him a reason to accuse us, you know, when else he accuses us, when we're blameless. He especially loves to accuse the blameless. Remember, Job? I think it was Peter that said in 1st Peter 5:8, “The devil walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” We do not know what tomorrow holds. We do not know what the next year is going to bring. We do not know what challenges we may face. But we do know one thing. God only accepts victory. The battle is fought to be won. Revelation 12:11 says “They overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives, even unto death.” There are three things here. The blood of the lamb refers to the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The Word of the testimony I take not to be my personal testimony, but the word to which I testify, namely, Word of God. Here's the challenge. What was it Mary said? “Let it be to me according to your word.” “They love not their lives, even unto death.” How can we not love our own life? Only by loving Christ more? And that's a daily decision and a daily challenge. And I pray that each one of us might have verse 11 said of us in the end. Paul said in 1st Corinthians 7:29-30, “This I say, brethren, the time is short.” “Those who weep will be as though they did not weep. And those who rejoice as though they do not rejoice.” What is he saying here? He simply saying that there are seasons in life, times of joy and times of mourning. In either case, you can take it on the authority of the Word of God that He works all things together for good. Be assured. Be comforted. After the dark comes the dawn. There is light coming. There is joy coming. There is comfort coming. We at Basic Training Bible Ministries are challenged to be more like Mary and have decided “not just to hear, but to do.” Hopefully you are encouraged in this way by these truths as well. Merry Christmas BTBM Staff

Upcoming Events • https://hopecitypdx.com/upcoming-events • Check out all the events and activities for us to enjoy together. I've Accepted Jesus • https://hopecitypdx.com/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Let Us Pray With You • https://hopecitypdx.com/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Sunday, December 18: Adore Week 3 - Daniel Knutson: "Mary (Believe)" We trust what we can depend on We choose hard things when we believe they will pay off Luke 1:26-38…God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”“I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:45-55“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Mary believed she could depend on God Mary obeyed God Humility reminds us that Jesus is King and we are not Humility makes room for us to believe God, to obey God, and to partner with God and His plans How are you making room for God's plans to be lived out in your life?

Today we take a look at Luke 1 and how it prepares us for Christmas!    26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.   https://www.spiritandtruth.life/ https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/

MAKING ROOM #2 | Embody Servanthood | December 11, 2022Brian Van Eps | Guest Speaker “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.’ ‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.’ ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:26-38 (NIV) Who has served you well? The “Making Room” Idea: Embody Servanthood Mary’s question: “How can this be?” Two Lessons we can embody as well: 1) You are uniquely gifted for God’s purposes2} You are given God’s Spirit and his Power to do what he asks of you Mary’s response: “I am the Lord’s servant.” The Big Question: How will you respond? A “Making Room” Response: Embody Servanthood through Radical Hospitality Reflection Questions:1) Who has served you well? 2) Who have you served recently? 3) What excuses do you have for not living out God’s purposes? 4) How are you uniquely gifted for God’s purposes? 5) How will you respond to God’s call to Embody Servanthood? 6) What is one Radically Hospitable act you can do before the end of 2022? Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeyweb.net/connectcardWant to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeyweb.net/giveDownload our app: https://journeyweb.net/app Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeyweb.net/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeyweb.net/studentsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozemanNotes Page: https://journeyweb.net/sermons/notes/2022.12.11.pdf

Sermon Notes

Pastor Dave hits us with a core issue in today's world: how when we are hurt, it spills out to others. How do we reconcile with ourselves and with God? How can we spill out love and not hurt? Listen to ponder the issue. Scripture is from NIV. Luke 1:26-38The Birth of Jesus Foretold26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.2 Corinthians 5:17-2017 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.Support the showSupport us here:https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch

Preacher: Kathy Maskell Scripture: Luke 1:26-38 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabrielto Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid,Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Lectio Divina is a method to prayerfully enter into God's Word. Create some sacred space for God and spend a few quiet moments engaging with Scripture. As you allow the Spirit to lead, you may be surprised by where he leads you – even in familiar passages like this one.Once you've listened to this Scripture Experience podcast, head over to the next episode and listen to my conversation with Bette Dickinson, artist and author. We talk about her process meditating on Luke 1 and her beautiful new book, Making Room in Advent.You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creatingspaceforgod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JodieGNiznikDownload your free Lectio Divina Guided journal at http://www.jodieniznik.com/connect-1The exact verses read in this podcast are:Luke 1:34-38, NIV34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Today's episode with Angela is so fun, so inspiring, and full of nuggets of wisdom about life and business. So, friends, meet Angela Brown — she's a talent brand and portrait photographer based in Brighton, Michigan. She was a wealth advisor for 25 years before doing a 180 on her career to become a photographer — proving it's never “too late” to make a major career shift. Angie also enjoys educating other photographers in building personal brands to attract their ideal clients. She's got plenty of tips for you photographers listening, but we also talk about her awesome career story, her experience with EM Shop templates, and so much more.    Highlights from this interview: How Angela pivoted to being a brand photographer after 25 years as a wealth advisor  Angela's experience customizing her EM Shop template - spoiler, she had FUN!  The Showit Blueprint Course and how it guides you through your website build out  Changes Angela made to her template to making it uniquely her own  Why Angela switched from ProPhoto (WordPress) to Showit  Tips and strategies for building a successful business as a brand photographer  Thinking about getting a template from EM Shop like Angela did? Here's a little blurb with what she had to say about EM Shop: "I am so thankful I found Elizabeth and the EM Shop! As someone who has always hired a designer to customize my Wordpress site, it was a big step to take that responsibility into my own hands. But Elizabeth and her team gave me support when I was stuck. Most importantly, the Showit Blueprint course was simply incredible. I got almost all the answers and best-practices I needed to create my dream site. Even Elizabeth's launch and marketing tips were so helpful! I would recommend EM Shop to anyone looking to up her game!" Links mentioned in this episode: - Get the full shownotes for this episode: https://elizabethmccravy.com/189  - Check out EM Shop Templates: http://elizabethmccravy.com/shop  - Get a free month of Showit: https://elizabethmccravy.com/showit-coupon-code  - Connect with Elizabeth on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethmccravy/  - Connect with Angela on her website: https://angelabrownphotography.com/  - Connect with Angela on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelabrown23/ 

The story of the announcement of the birth of Jesus is breathtaking. Tune in today to make some connections to the past and the future - we are in Section 5 @ https://www.harmonychurch.cc/timeline-of-jesus/birth-preparation/. GIVE TODAY, text any amount to (859) 459-0316 to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ). ------------------- OPENING: Years ago I thought Jenni was dying…  She had just had surgery about a week earlier and she was not getting better.  She was pale and at one point I walked into the bedroom and she was laying on the bed looking like death.  I don't know that I've ever been so scared.  We immediately called the doctor and got an appointment.  We went in and they drew blood to start running tests.  Waiting to get the results back was torture - some of you know what that's like.  Finally, they called us back in for a consult.  I can remember sitting in that room, neither of us talking, both just hoping for anything but the worst… I'll never forget the doctor coming in… She sat down with a serious look on her face. She said, “we got your results back…” My heart stopped beating for a moment Finally, the doctor leaned in and she blurts out, “You're pregnant!” I literally almost fainted… We hadn't even considered the idea that Jenni was pregnant - she had taken a pregnancy test before undergoing the surgery the week before and it was negative. Not only that, but Jen hadn't been sick or anything with our first child - so it never even crossed our mind… My grandma of course wanted to know if we knew what caused that… Ha… That was a crazy way to find out you were about to have another child… But not near as crazy as the first Christmas story… LK 1:26-38 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy In a couple of weeks we are going to talk about this baby… Elizabeth is the mom of John the baptist - so when she's 6 months along, Mary is going to have the following happen… God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. This is not the first time Gabriel has appeared in the bible, he is who announced the birth of John the Baptist, but in 538BC this same angel appeared to Daniel… Daniel is in his 80s, he knows the prophecy in Jeremiah that says the captivity in Babylon will only last 70 years and he's close to the end of that 70 years.  Literally, within a year, Cyrus will make a decree for the Jewish people to begin to be able to start returning home.  Daniel has been praying this prayer of repentance when an angel appears… Daniel 9:20-22 20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill— 21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. The message Gabriel will give to Daniel is almost universally accepted as pertaining to the coming of the Messiah -People don't agree about exactly what it means - it's probably one of the most confusing passages… But here's what's significant to me… We have Gabriel some 530 some years before Jesus' birth foretelling the Messiah coming and dying. b Then we don't hear from him again… b Until he begins speaking of the coming Messiah again… Here we have Gabriel greeting Mary, listen to what he says to her… 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” This is Shocking news -I thought finding out that my wife was pregnant after a negative test was shocking - this is beyond shocking…  I know for most of you, you've heard this so much in your life you've forgotten how crazy it is.   Mary is not an old woman at this point, she is probably late teens, maybe early 20s - she's a young woman.   She's told she will conceive and give birth to a son and call him Jesus The Hebrew of Jesus' name is actually Yeshua it means, Salvation. There is so much in this proclamation - that Jesus would sit on David's throne that Jesus would be the Son of the Most High - a title for GodHe would reign over Jacob and his kingdom would never end… Here's what I want you to get… b You all know this stuff and it all makes sense - you know Jesus will die and raise to life, that His Kingdom is one that exists inside humans - not in a particular land. b But Mary didn't… This would have blown her away… 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. I have stood in the church that is built around the cave that they believe Mary was in when Gabriel came to her…  Most of Nazareth is built up on this mountainside and the city in the time of Jesus was tiny, only a few hundred people living there in the stone-cut cave dwellings…  It's a humble place…   And it's in this place that Mary hears the angel's words - the foretelling of Jesus and she believes and says “I am the Lord's servant,” Do you remember at the very beginning of the sermon there was a video with a passage from Isaiah being read? Can I just read you the first part of that again? Is 53:1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? Who believed? Who was it revealed to? A young woman in a tiny town She was a nothing nobody - she should have been a blip on the radar of history that no one would ever know about… b Except she said, “I am in…” b and that changed everything… There was a reason God chose Mary & Joseph to be the parents of Jesus - Joseph's acceptance of this whole situation was just as humbling… Jesus' parents were people of deep faith and reliance upon Jesus - they were defined by trust… I believe God is still looking for simple trust from us, He may not ask you to steward the change agent for the entirety of human history - but He is asking for your whole devotion… One of the things that has struck me from studying the life of Jesus so much is how singular He was in His desire for devotion from those who followed Him. CLOSING ILLUSTRATION: Years ago when I was a youth pastor, I had taken some of my kids who were leaders on a retreat to learn leadership - we did trust falls and low ropes courses, and finally we were going to do some repelling. One of the teenage girls was at the edge of the mountain and I was back with her twin sister sitting up against a rock watching as the guide tried to convince her sister to go over the edge. Her sister wouldn't trust the guide and she was freaking out.. That's when her twin leaned over to me and said, “if my sister dies, I'm suing you for everything you're worth!” I thought, “you have no clue how much youth pastors make…” Ha When I saw this video, it reminded me of those sisters… [Download and play video: https://www.tiktok.com/@shotovercanyonswing/video/7114409010261970177?lang=en] Let me tell you something… Following Jesus requires you going over the edge with him. It requires you being all in… Can I ask you one thing? b What is keeping you from going all in with Jesus? He came to save you from your sins - and the reality is this. when you go over the edge with Jesus and give yourself totally to Him. What you find is that it's not scary - it's like home. You find that the God of the universe who came for us, makes up residence in your heart!

How an Angel visiting Mary can teach us about trusting in God and who He is. Luke 1:26-38 The Birth of Jesus Foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

IT IS THE ONLY WAY: YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST IS NECESSARY. WHEN YOU ACCEPT CHRIST AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR, YOU RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT INTO YOUR HEART THAT PRODUCES UNIMAGINABLE CHANGES AND A UNDESCRIBABLE POWER TO DO THE WORK THAT GOD HAS FOR YOU TO DO. JUST SAY YES!INTRODUCTION: SERIES: FEAR IS NOT A FACTOR, BUT FAITH IS! FEAR DOES NOT STOP THE FAVOR OF GOD IN YOUR LIFE!LUKE 1:26-3826 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God.  36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.  37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.”We as Christians must understand that God's favor does not automatically bring instant success in our lives. Even the mother of Jesus Christ would soon have much pain in her life. Her friends would ridicule her, her fiancé would come close to leaving her, her son would be rejected, and murdered. But her commitment to doing what God called her to do would make her honored by many because Jesus would be the only one to bring hope to the world. Mary's submission to God's plan to bring salvation to the world has placed her in a place of honor. So no matter how God wants to use us, we must say yes, and accept the task as what it is. We have to say what Mary said, o am the Lords servant, and may it be to me as He have said. Amen!!!Divine favor is never random, it is intentional. God's favor in your life is for a purpose. When God favors you, it's not for you to brag upon or sit on it, but has a use for it. God has endowed this favor on you so you can be a blessing to others! SCRIPTURES TO LIVE BY:LEVITICUS 26:9-12-  “‘I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you. 10 You will still be eating last year's harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new. 11 I will put my dwelling place[a] among you, and I will not abhor you. 12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.NUMBERS 6:25-26-May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. 26 May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.NEXT WEEK, WE WILL CONTINUE THE SERIES: FEAR IS NOT A FACTOR, BUT FAITH IS! YOUR FAITH IS UNDER A TEST!Next week read: MATTHEW 14:22-333 $25 gift cards giveaway to Amazon, Walmart, Visa SATURDAY, JANUARY 1!REMEMBER MY SISTERS AND BROTHERS, IT TAKES GRACE TO MAKE IT!