Big Idea: God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things when we trust Him. Remember Verse 4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. Galatians 4:4-5 (NLT) This Christmas, Like Mary Will You: 1. Trust God’s Plan When It Disrupts Your Expectations? 26 “In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." Luke 1:26-33 (NIV) 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" 35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:34-35 (NIV) Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (NIV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God." 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” Luke 1:36-45 (NIV) 2. Renew Your Faith? 46 And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me– holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” Luke 1:46-50 (NIV) 11 “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV) 3. Receive God’s Gift of Forgiveness? 21 “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”–which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:21-23 (NIV) 3 “All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.” (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:3-5 (NLT2) Am I trying to fit God into my plans or am I willing to fit into His plans? This Christmas, I will: Trust God’s plan When It Disrupts My Expectations Renew my faith with God Receive Jesus as my Savior and Lord Follow Jesus in believers baptism TALK IT OVER Family Corner: [Choose one day this week to ask questions to go deeper in faith as a family. Try this over dinner. Keep it to 12 minutes or less.] Ice Breaker: If an angel told you that you were going to have a baby this year, how would you react? Big Idea: God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things when we trust Him. 4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. Galatians 4:4-5 (NLT2) This Christmas, Like Mary Will You: 1. Trust God’s Plan When It Disrupts Your Expectations? Read: Luke 1:26-45 If you were Mary, what kind of plans do you think she had? What do you learn about Jesus Christ from the angels’ announcement? 30-33 How does Gabriel’s word to Mary compare to Zechariah? What do you think was the hardest thing for Mary to comprehend? 2. Renew Your Faith? Read: Luke 1:46-50 God spoke to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds when they were just being themselves. What does that imply about being spiritual? How has God spoken to you in the past? What have you treasured up in your heart? 3. Receive God’s Gift of Forgiveness? Read: Matthew 1:21-23 Why was Jesus born? Why did God choose the come to earth this way? What does it mean for you that God is with you? Read Ephesians 2:3-5 What do you learn about God’s nature? How can we be saved? Close in Prayer: Start praying. Be bold, and pray specifically.