Luke 1:26-38

Birth of Jesus Foretold

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy - the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

For Adult Homes and Groups

Read the story of the Birth of Jesus foretold by the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:26-38, then answer the following with your group, adjusting for different age groups:

1. What is your favorite part of the Christmas season? (Family, shopping, getting gifts, giving gifts, travel, the weather, decorations, etc…)

2. What is something that seems impossible in your life? Take a moment to share and then as a group/family lift those concerns to God in prayer.

3. In what ways is the message from Gabriel “For nothing will be impossible with God” a message for you? Do you believe that God can do anything?

4. Therefore, how will you continue to live the Gospel message of “Jesus is always with you” not just at Christmas time but every day of the year?

For Families with Kids Read the verses and discuss the questions below:

“The angel (Gabriel) greeted (Mary) and said, ‘The Lord has given you special favor. He is with you.’ Mary was very upset because of his words. She wondered what kind of greeting this could be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary.’” - Luke 1:28-30 NIRV

1. Talk about a time that you were scared? Were you alone?

2. Have you ever been alone or felt alone when it was dark, even if just alone in a dark room? How did you feel? 3. The angel told Mary that God is with her. How do you think that made Mary feel?

4. Pray a prayer thanking God that you are never alone because He is always with you.