Luke 2:1-20 (vv. 10-11) Question for reflection: The angel described the child Jesus as Savior, Messiah (or the Christ), and Lord. What would these descriptions have meant for poor Jewish shepherds living in a country occupied by the Roman Empire? What do these descriptions mean for us? What makes the angel’s announcement good news? Prayer
Messiah
Joseph: Glimpses of godliness
Matthew 1:18-24 Question for Reflection: Mary and Joseph must have been scared by what was happening to them: to be selected by God to be the parents of the Messiah! And yet, they responded faithfully and courageously to God’s call. Who do you know who has responded when God has called them? When has God
Zechariah’s song: A new day
Luke 1:67-80 Question for Reflection: Waiting can be hard. I remember, as a child, waiting impatiently for Christmas morning to arrive so the presents under our tree could finally be opened. Zechariah, too, had been waiting. But what he was waiting for was immeasurably more wonderful than any present under a Christmas tree ever could
Neighbors and relatives: Community
Luke 1:57-66 Question for Reflection: The Message uses the phrase “surprise followed surprise” (v. 63) to describe the astonishment of Elizabeth and Zechariah’s neighbors when words of praise began flowing from the lips of Zechariah. Throughout Advent, as we anticipate the celebration of the birth of another baby – the Messiah – be alert and