Growing in Christ- Digging Deeper: December 22, 2021

Read: Matthew 1:18

Joseph also received an angelic visitation. What sort of man was Joseph? What was he thinking about doing with Mary after he learned that she was pregnant before they were married and he knew that he was not the father? How must he have felt? However, his plan was not a part of God’s plan. Where was Joseph when the angel gave him his message? What was the message? Was it any different from the previous messages to Elizabeth or Mary concerning the birth of Jesus? What does that tell you about God and His plan? How did he respond? What does this teach you how to respond to God’s plans for your life? Give God permission to be all He desires to be in you today.

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.