1. What does the humble birth of Jesus reveal about God's character and plan? Are we seeking daily to find God's plan for us, no matter how simple it may be? Look at where God has placed you and how He can use you if you are willing.2. What lessons can we learn from Joseph and Mary's parenting of Jesus?3. Have you ever wondered why God didn't have His Son arrive in the most beautiful and glorious ...  Read More

Luke 2:36-40  (HCSB)Anna’s Testimony 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and was a widow for 84 years. She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. 38 At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to...  Read More

Luke 2:25-35  (HCSB)Simeon’s Prophetic Praise 25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brough...  Read More

Luke 2:21-24  (HCSB)The Circumcision and Presentation of Jesus 21 When the eight days were completed for His circumcision, He was named Jesus—the name given by the angel before He was conceived. 22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every f...  Read More

Luke 2:8-20  (HCSB)The Shepherds and the Angels 8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the pe...  Read More

Luke 2:1-7  (HCSB)The Birth of Jesus 2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. 2 This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because ...  Read More

LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF MARY (MOTHER OF JESUS)Regularly praise and worship God for His goodness and blessings to you.KEY TRUTH: Mary Was Humble (Luke 1:26–38)KEY TRUTH: Mary Was Blessed and Worshipful (Luke 1:39–56)KEY TRUTH: Mary Was Vindicated (Matthew 1:18–25)KEY TRUTH: Mary Was Sorrowful and Contemplative (Luke 2:22–35: Luke 2:1–21, 41–52)FAMILY CONNECTION: CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION AFTER CHURC...  Read More

1. Gabriel reported that God "found favor" with Mary. Why do you think God found "favor" in Mary? How should we model our lives to be found in favor?2. Mary was reported to have "went with haste" (diligently) to see Elizabeth. Why do you think Mary acted this way when going to visit Elizabeth? Do you move with diligence when the Holy Spirit gives you an assignment?3. How would you describe Mary's ...  Read More

Matthew 1:18-25 (HCSB)The Nativity of the Messiah 18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. 20 But after he had considered these thi...  Read More

Luke 1:46-56  (HCSB)Mary’s Praise 46 And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, 47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, 48 because He has looked with favor on the humble condition of His slave. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and His name is holy. 50 His mercy is from generation to generation...  Read More

Luke 1:39-45 (HCSB)Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth 39 In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah 40 where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she exclaimed with a loud cry: “You are the most blessed of women, and your child will b...  Read More

Luke 1:34-38  (HCSB)34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?” 35 The angel replied to her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth mo...  Read More