Introduction

Introduction

It is our hope that as you use the material this Advent that you will be drawn into the enormity of what Christmas continually points to. A mark in time, a BC and and an AD, when everything changed and history took on its real meaning and significance. Luke seeks to direct our thinking this way by rooting all he shares in a time and location verified by eye witnesses. Today we who believe are invited to join that great company of believers who are open to the fresh reality that God is moving among us through the power and presence of his Holy Spirt.

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Week One

Part 1: Conversations of disbelief with an unexpected visitor

This month all of our readings come from the first two chapters of Luke’s Gospel as we take time to enter the story  of the Nativity anew, eyes open to the interplay between the expected and the unexpected. If you are using this material for personal study or as part of a group you may want to make time to read all of the first two chapters of Luke (perhaps prior to meeting if in a group) before returning to look at particular verses in the questions below.

Read Luke 1: 1-4

Why is it important to Luke that the story of the life of Jesus is rooted in history? 

Do you think we would still know about Jesus if there were no Gospel accounts? What do we know about Jesus and Christians outside of the Gospels?

For More information you could read article: Evidence of Jesus

Read Luke 1: 14-17

Who are the children we have been called to care for and prepare for Christ’s coming?

Read Luke 1: 19-25

What do you believe about angels? Do they exist? Have you encountered one?

Week Two

Part 2: Conversations of belief with an unexpected visitor

This month all of our readings come from the first two chapters of Luke’s Gospel as we take time to enter the story of the Nativity anew, eyes open to the interplay between the expected and the unexpected. If you are using this material for personal study or as part of a group you may want to make time to read all of the first two chapters of Luke (perhaps prior to meeting if in a group) before returning to look at particular verses in the questions below.

Read Luke 1: 26-27

Six months later...The angel Gabriel...In Nazareth...A girl engaged to be married...Man called Joseph ...descended from King David… the girl called Mary…

What’s the point of the seven facts?

Read Luke 1: 28

Eugene Peterson in The Message translates the angel having said to Mary “Good morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty”.

Who is it that we need to view through angel eyes, helping them see God’s beauty in their lives?

Read Luke 1: 34-37

What is the difference between Mary’s question to the Angel and Zachariah’s question in Luke 1: 18?

Week Three

Part 3: The Zach and Mary Praise Sessions — The role of praise and thanksgiving in our lives

This month all of our readings come from the first two chapters of Luke’s Gospel as we take time to enter the story of the Nativity anew, eyes open to the interplay between the expected and the unexpected. If you are using this material for personal study or as part of a group you may want to make time to read all of the first two chapters of Luke (perhaps prior to meeting if in a group) before returning to look at particular verses in the questions below.

Read Luke 1: 46-49

You might not write a song but how about sharing some of the things God has done for you?

Read Luke 1: 51-52

Where do we see God at work in politicians? What are the dangers in church aligning with politics? How do we give God the glory when good things happen?

Read Luke 1: 67-80

What does it mean for us today to be called to prepare the way? - What does it mean to be a voice crying in the wilderness?

Week Four

Part 4: The unexpected visitors turn up again — Extracts from Mary’s Diaries

This month all of our readings come from the first two chapters of Luke’s Gospel as we take time to enter the story of the Nativity anew, eyes open to the interplay between the expected and the unexpected. If you are using this material for personal study or as part of a group you may want to make time to read all of the first two chapters of Luke (perhaps prior to meeting if in a group) before returning to look at particular verses in the questions below.

Read Luke 2: 1-5

Life with Jesus doesn’t remove us from stress. Take time to think about stress levels and the strategies we see in scripture to help us manage them.

Read Luke 2: 6-7

Learning to make the most of what you have is a powerful lesson. Mary’s manger solution will never be forgotten. 

What have been some ‘manger solutions’ in your life? Can you share them? Times when you’ve had to improvise on the spot. 

Read Luke 2: 8-20

The Shepherds believed and went to Bethlehem. Our lives have our own ‘Bethlehem visits’ — not literally going to Bethlehem, but moments when God calls us to see something for ourselves. Have you ever had that experience of feeling called by God to go see something?