Growing in Christ- Digging Deeper: December 23, 2021

Read: Matthew 2:1-12

God had prepared the Magi for centuries for this one event in history. As a group, they had mapped out the comings and goings of the stars for centuries. They knew what each star meant in the course of world history. But then, one night, there was a new star. Where did the star come from? It is possible that the star could have been an angel in the bright raiment of heaven. According to Revelation 2; 6:13; 12:1-4, what do the stars in Scripture often represent? Whether an angel or a literal star, what did that new star mean? Why would they travel the distance from Persia to visit this baby when many other royals had been born or appointed with no such visits made? Why did they not go back to talk to King Herod? What would have happened had they ignored the angelic message in their dream as just a case of bad Judaen food? What does that tell you about the warnings you receive through the study of Scripture and prayer? Listen to the warnings that God gives to you.

Growing in Christ- Digging Deeper: December 21, 2021

Read: Luke 1:26-38, 46-53

Mary was just a teen when God broke into her life through the visitor from heaven. Where did this happen? Where do you have to be to have God speak to you? Who was this angel? Throughout the Bible, this angel delivered prophetic utterances to Israel concerning God’s plan for them. How did the angel greet this girl? Process what that means. What was the pronouncement this day? Why was it impossible for Mary to give birth? How was this problem solved? Who was this child within her? Why is He different from other people? Understand that the DNA of Jesus is different from every other person. He is the only one to be conceived from God, not from the seed of a man as with every other person. What did Mary say in response to this incredible message? God will not visit any of us with such a message. But He may ask of us the impossible. What will your response be to Him? Why not personalize vs. 37-38, 46-53 for your life and His work through you.

Growing in Christ- Digging Deeper: December 20, 2021

Angels bursting through the portal doors of heaven to bring messages from God to us?Could such a thing actually happen? Digging deeper looks at the mysterious connection between God and humanity through His worshipping messengers – the angels.

Read: Luke 1:5-25, 39-45, 57-80

The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah is really where the story of the coming of Immanuel begins. Who was Zechariah? What was unique about this couple during this time of darkness and sin in history? What was the problem for which they were praying? Considering that there were probably many who were praying for the same thing, why would God send an angel to break into their lives? Where did this happen? Does God only answer our prayers at church? What was the message that was delivered? What was God’s purpose for this child that Elizabeth and Zechariah would have? Why did Gabriel proclaim judgment on Zechariah in vs. 20? How was this confirmed to Elizabeth six months into her pregnancy? What did the Holy Spirit give her as a prophecy? What did God do for Zechariah when the child was born and he named him John? What did the Holy Spirit give to him to prophesy? What do these prophecies mean? Today, thank God for His perfect plan – perfect even to the preparation that Elizabeth’s child, John the Baptizer would accomplish.