5 months ago

Christmas: the Whole Story Week 1: “Promise in the Silence”

Christmas: the Whole Story

Week 1: “Promise in the Silence”

POINT #1 – TRUST IN THE DARK WHAT YOU KNOW TO BE TRUE IN THE LIGHT

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” (Isaiah 9:2**, NLT**)

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6**, NLT**)

POINT #2 – GOD IS WORKING TO TURN HEARTS

““Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the LORD arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.”” (Malachi 4:5-6**, NLT**)

POINT #3 – GOD’S PROMISES ARRIVE IN PERFECT TIME

“When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old. One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying. While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.” (Luke 1:5-15**, NLT**)

“When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her. When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!”” (Luke 1:57-60**, NLT**)

Think About It.

Why do you think the 400 years of prophetic silence between Malachi and John the Baptist was necessary for God’s plan?
In what ways does waiting on God strengthen our faith and reliance on Him?
How can we discern what God is preparing in our lives, even when it feels like nothing is happening?
How can we actively participate in God’s work of “turning hearts” in our families, friendships, or communities this Christmas season?

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