The Christmas Story - Part 1 - Days 1-6 Series

DAY ONE

Before the angel Gabriel talked to Mary, Gabriel visited Zacharias the priest.

Gabriel told Zacharias that his elderly, barren wife Elisabeth would have a son.

Gabriel said, “And you will name him John.” (vs 13) We know him as John the Baptist.

Gabriel told Zacharias several things about the child.

Zacharias questioned Gabriel, asking, “How can I know this will happen?” (vs 18)

Gabriel punished Zacharias. “Because you didn’t believe my words, you will not be able to speak until the day these things take place.” (vs 20)

Read Luke 1:5-25 to find out all the details.

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DAY TWO

The angel Gabriel visited Mary. He told her she would conceive a baby boy. Gabriel told her about this baby. He would be called Jesus, and He would be the Son of God.

Mary questioned Gabriel, but the angel was not offended. He patiently answered the question of a young innocent woman, who couldn’t understand how she could become pregnant since she had not had sex with a man.

Gabriel also told Mary that her elderly, barren cousin Elisabeth was now in the sixth month of her pregnancy, because nothing is impossible with God.

Mary agreed to take part in God’s plan.

Read Luke 1:26-38 to find out all the details of Mary’s conversation with the angel Gabriel.

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DAY THREE

DAY THREE

After the angel Gabriel told Mary that her cousin Elisabeth was pregnant, Mary hurriedly went to visit her. Mary was excited for Elisabeth who had struggled with infertility. She had just been told she would conceive the long-awaited Messiah, but she wasn’t thinking about herself; she was thinking of helping her cousin and friend..

The journey from Nazareth (west of the Sea of Galilee) to a city in the hill country of Judah (west of the Dead Sea) took 3-5 days depending on how Mary traveled.

We will soon find out that before Mary arrived at Elisabeth’s, God had carried out his plan. Mary had conceived Jesus.

Luke 1:39

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DAY FOUR

Mary arrived at Elisabeth’s home.

The six month baby in Elisabeth’s womb leaped for joy when his Lord (in Mary’s womb) entered the house.

The unborn John the Baptist

— RECOGNIZED his Lord.

— REACTED to the presence of his Lord.

— REJOICED in the presence of his Lord.

And remember, Jesus was only a developing embryo, less than a week old.

What amazing things these verses reveal about the unborn child!!

Luke 1:40-41, 44

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DAY FIVE

Elisabeth had already received a miracle. She was old and barren, with no hope of having a child. Then God revealed that she would conceive a son, and this son would prepare the way for the Messiah. I love how God takes our hopelessness and brings joy with something better than we could ever imagine.

Elisabeth was six months pregnant when Mary came to visit.

When Mary greeted Elisabeth, the babe leaped for joy in her womb, and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

God revealed to Elisabeth that Mary was pregnant with His holy child.

She prophesied about Mary.

“She who has believed is blessed because the Lord will fulfill what was spoken to her.”

Read Luke 1:40-45 for all the details.

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DAY SIX

Mary responded to Elisabeth’s revelation with what is now called the “Magnificat" or the "Song of Mary." Each line of Mary's reply is a reference to scripture. It is one of nine canticles, “songs,” in the Bible that refer to other scripture.

Mary’s Magnificat begins with a familiar statement, “My soul magnifies the Lord.”

Read Luke 1:46-56 for all the details of Mary’s words.

Mary stayed with Elisabeth for three months (vs 56).

If you want to read about the birth of John the Baptist and how Zacharias regained his speech, read Luke 1:57-66.

After Zacharias regained his voice, he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he prophesied. His words are also a canticle. Read his prophecy in Luke 1:67-80