The Imperfect Christmas
December 4, 2022
Luke 1:26-38 / Common English Bible
Jesus’ birth foretold
26 When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee, 27 to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 When the angel came to her, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” 29 She was confused by these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you. 31 Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and he will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. 33 He will rule over Jacob’s house forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom.”
34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen since I haven’t had sexual relations with a man?”
35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come over you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the one who is to be born will be holy. He will be called God’s Son. 36 Look, even in her old age, your relative Elizabeth has conceived a son. This woman who was labeled ‘unable to conceive’ is now six months pregnant. 37 Nothing is impossible for God.”
38 Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
Hello Kingdom Family,
Today we continue in our Advent Series “Unforgettable Christmas,” Part II of IV.
Donna Bondurant unpacks Luke 1:26-38 and helps us discover what “The Imperfect Christmas” means and why Jesus chose to come into the world through an imperfect family. We also look at two 21st-century examples to help us better understand what sacrifice looks like and how it demonstrates what it means to keep Christ in CHRISTmas, even though we are imperfect, always remembering few follow a Jesus-looking God who is perfect in every way. We are blessed by the perfect love of Christ, not just at Christmas but 24/7/365.
Thank you for supporting Hill-Tran Ministries.
Shalom,
Team Hill-Tran
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