Advent StudySample

Luke’s trustworthy account of the Gospel story begins by explaining that in His mercy, God – who does the impossible – masterfully planned the miraculous birth of the Savior and his forerunner by way of an older priest’s wife and a simple virgin. Elizabeth and Mary’s roles were one-time miracles, never to be matched in human history. They stood at the zenith of God’s plan for salvation.

Even though neither of these quiet, humble women could know precisely what their own futures and those of their sons would bring, each were rewarded with the presence and power of the Spirit of God; a reward for their faith and obedience before Him (Luke 1:41–45).

Young Mary had many unanswered questions and sought out her cousin, Elizabeth, who recognized what God was doing even before Mary could tell her. God ordained they be relatives, which blessed them with mutual comfort and encouragement. Thus, Mary’s immediate response was a hymn of joy-filled praise, for she knew God would accomplish what He promised! Her behavior exemplified Christ-centered joy available to all of us as we celebrate the birth of Christ.

When Zechariah, the priest and father of John, could once again speak, he proclaimed prophetic praises to Yahweh before all the people at the temple. His own son would be called “the prophet of the Most High, preparing the way of the Lord” (Luke 1:67–79). He, like Mary, was exuberant to be a part of God’s plan in bringing forth the long-awaited Messiah. After 400 years of prophetic silence, God used Zechariah’s son, John the Baptizer, to fulfill the prophecy in Malachi 3:1 – to preach repentance and proclaim the entrance of the Light of Truth into this dark, sinful world (Luke 1:76–80). John later publicly gave testimony of Jesus as “God’s Chosen One” (John 1:32–34). John proclaimed to two of his own disciples (including Andrew), “Look, the Lamb of God” (John 1:35–36).