Hope

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angelGabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to aman named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angelwent to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is withyou.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greetingthis might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you havefound favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are tocall him Jesus.
- Luke 1:26-31

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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.”
- Luke 1:46-55

Mixer

What is your favorite holiday treat? Do you make it, or someone else?

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Sermon Questions

Scriptures: Luke 1:26-31, 46-55

1. Pastor Jared posed the question: Have you ever been in the middle of a scandal? If so, you are in the middle of the Christmas story. How does this truth make the Christmas story come to life for you?

2. Read Luke 1:26-31. Try to put yourself in Mary’s shoes. What might she have been thinking/feeling? Share a time when God called you to something bigger than yourself and you realized that, only with His help, you would get through.

3. Pastor Jared asked us: Where in your life right now does it feel like something or someone has a boot on your neck? How can you be assured that Jesus has the last word?

4. Read Luke 1:46-48. How much has God’s mindfulness of you resonated in your life? What have you done to rejoice in the Lord through good times and bad?

5. In honor of Advent (“arrival”), take a moment to pray with your group for hope and expectancy.

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Serve

The Holiday Hygiene Kit Drive is underway! If you would like to participate this month, click here.

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Pray

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'

Amen.

- Henri J.M. Nouwen