December 2, 2022
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in our Advent readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Day 2 in the Book: “The Life of Jesus“
The Birth and Childhood of Jesus
Read Sections 1.5 through 1.8 (pages 8-11)
This book is an account of Jesus’ life and teachings told through in chronological order from the four Gospels to create one continuous story.
*If you do not have a copy of the book please contact the church at (401)667-0775 and we can get you a copy.
The Life of Jesus
1.5 – 1.8
I liked the song-responses of Mary and Zechariah.
When Mary visits Elizabeth, God again confirms His plan through her by Elizabeth’s (and John’s) response to Mary. Mary responds with a song. She expresses her humility “God is my savior. I am not important. People remember how much God has blessed me.” She worships God at length.
Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and praises and prophesies. He must have been relieved to have his voice back to praise the Lord and obey His Spirit in praise and prophesy.
John was born to be a prophet and tell of the coming of Jesus. To prepare people for His ministry and ultimate death and resurrection. Born of Elizabeth and Zechariah at their age and never having children makes even this a miracle. God’s hand in every detail of the coming of His son.
I love the words that Zechariah spoke when filled with the Holy spirit that God comes as our help, freedom, protection, our Savior!
“With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will shine on us.
It will bring light to those who live in darkness, in the fear of death.
It will guide us into the way that brings peace. “ Stated Zechariah in his message from God, the savior would come to individual for salvation and peace. Not to the nation.
I’ve read both advent 1 & 2
I just love the way God orchestrates things and it is truly amazing how He puts together the events surrounding His son’s birth. First is the choosing of Mary. What a godly young girl she was and her knowledge and understanding of God and His word is expressed in the words she speaks. It is interesting that she wasn’t specifically filled with the Spirit to say these words like her relative Zechariah. They express her heart. The second is the birth of John the Baptist. Mary was not well known in Judea where Jerusalem was. But Zechariah and Elizabeth were. There was probably a buzz when this older, barren woman is with child. It is furthered when Zechariah is made dumb in the context of his service in the temple. Then they give the boy the name John when people would expect otherwise…don’t you think God knew that when He asked them to name him John? And then Zechariah speaks under the power of the Holy Spirit and praises God and his son and what he will become. Oh, yes, God is on the move and people are taking notice. And how fitting it is that 2 of the primary participants can’t help but praise God for what He has done for them and through them. It is a fitting pattern to follow as we see God moving in our lives. And if He is not moving and we don’t have anything to praise Him for….we might ask ourselves, why?
Mary is blessed because she believed what the Lord said to her. When we believe in God’s word, we are also blessed. God has mercy, he lifts up those who are lowly and humble and he does what he promises. John is sent to go before the Lord and prepare the people for him by way of repentence and understanding that their sins will be forgiven. Like Mary, Zechariah speaks of Gods loving mercy: “With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will shine on us. It will bring light to those who live in darkness, in the fear of death. It will guide us into the way that brings peace.”
I love how God chose shepherds to reveal the Messiahs birth and experience the heavenly angels praising God. What a spectacle that must have been for them! This is another example of how God lifts up those who are lowly and humbled.
The first PERSON to be excited about Jesus was a BABY. not a fetus
Yes, the Powerful One has done great things for me.
His name is very holy.
He always gives mercy
to those who worship him.
He reached out his arm and showed his power.
He scattered those who are proud and think great things about themselves.