Week Two
The Light of Faith Revealed in Struggle
The Light of Faith Revealed in Struggle
This week we look into the book of Luke in the New Testament of the Bible and explore the challenges of faith brought about by announcements of an angel to Zacharias and Mary. Each of these people were average everyday people; who experienced something extraordinary! They became integral parts of the story of the Coming of Christ as a baby and foretelling His ministry as a man. Let's take a look into their lives. Light your second candle this week. For these readings we will call it The Light of Faith.
Sunday
John’s Birth Announced to Zacharias
Luke 1:1-25
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| Zacharias and Gabriel - Tissot |
As you read Luke 1:1-25 consider the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth. They had no children because she was barren and now they were getting old. The dream of having a child had long faded away leaving traces of sorrow for what could have been. See through the eyes of Zacharias' as he walks into the temple, perhaps the air is heavy with the scent of frankincense and light is filtering through the haze. There is a sense of holiness and of the glory of God is thick. Then something extraordinary happened, something that would rock his faith to the core. Experience the awe of this amazing story.
Monday
Gabriel Announces Christ to be Born of Mary
Luke 1:26-38
Mary was a humble young woman, born to a peasant family who lived in difficult times. Imagine as you read, being Mary, just a teen and being visited by the angel Gabriel She must have been frightened. When Gabriel see's her concern and says: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God". She must have been blessed knowing she has favor with God.
But how confusing for her to hear she will give birth to a son. "How can this be since I do not know a man?" She must have wondered what Joseph and her parents would think. What would happen to her, to be pregnant without a husband during that time in Israel? Read More
Gabriel Announces Christ to be Born of Mary
Luke 1:26-38
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| Annunciation - Rosetti |
Mary was a humble young woman, born to a peasant family who lived in difficult times. Imagine as you read, being Mary, just a teen and being visited by the angel Gabriel She must have been frightened. When Gabriel see's her concern and says: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God". She must have been blessed knowing she has favor with God.
But how confusing for her to hear she will give birth to a son. "How can this be since I do not know a man?" She must have wondered what Joseph and her parents would think. What would happen to her, to be pregnant without a husband during that time in Israel? Read More
Tuesday
God’s Answer to David
Luke 1:31-33, 2Samuel 7:12-22
In Luke 1:31-33, Gabriel told Mary,
"... you will conceive... and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus. He will be Great and called Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His Father David... and of His Kingdom there will be no end."
God’s Answer to David
Luke 1:31-33, 2Samuel 7:12-22
In Luke 1:31-33, Gabriel told Mary,"... you will conceive... and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus. He will be Great and called Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His Father David... and of His Kingdom there will be no end."
These verses fulfill a promise made to King David in 2Samuel 7:11-14. How does this apply to Advent, the Promise of the Coming of Christ? Does it tell us who he is? Read More
Wednesday
Mary Visits Elizabeth
Luke 1:39-45
Today's reading is a favorite for women every where, especially those who are moms and enjoyed the wonder of carrying a new life. My favorite verse is:
'At the sound of Mary's greeting, Elizabeth's child leaped within her,
and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary,
"God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed.
Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me?
When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.
Thursday
Mary’s Song of Praise
Luke 1:46-56
Yesterday we saw what Elizabeth spoke to Mary. Here is Mary's reply:
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| James Tissot - Brooklyn Museum |
"Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!...
For He took notice of His lowly servant girl, and
from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One is Holy
and He has done great things for me.
He shows mercy from
generation to generation to all who fear Him.
His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
Luke 1:46-55
Friday
The Birth of John
Luke 1:57-66
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| The Visitation- Tissot, Brooklyn Museum |
Elizabeth delivered her son and they named him John, meaning, "The Lord has shown favor". Her neighbors and relatives rejoiced at the great mercy the Lord had shown her!
Joy emanates from God's favor and grace.
The neighbors of Zacharias and Elizabeth witnessed the miraculous work of God and marveled. Zacharias could then speak again for the first time since the visit of Gabriel. Then fear came over the people. They kept these sayings in their hearts, acknowledging that the Lord is with John and wondered what kind of child he will be.
Fear (Phobeo):frightening fearful sight...to be in awe of, revere... reverence.
What does it mean to fear God? Read More
Saturday
Zacharias’ Prophecy for His Little Son
Luke 1:67-80
Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, praised God for His faithfulness to keep His promises to His people. He spoke a prophecy over his John, and Messiah saying,
"And you, my little son,
will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
You will tell his people how to find salvation
through forgiveness of their sins.
will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
You will tell his people how to find salvation
through forgiveness of their sins.
Because of God's tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven
is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and
in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace."
Luke 1:76-79 NLT
is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and
in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace."
Luke 1:76-79 NLT
This concludes Week 2 of our Advent Readings.
The Light of Faith Revealed in Struggle.
You can see it in all of the lives touched deeply in the narrative of the Promise and Coming of the King, Jesus Christ. Tomorrow begins Week 3, titled:
The Light of Joy Breaks Through
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