Sunday School Lesson for Dec. 25, 2011: The Lord Keeps His Promise (Luke 1:26–2:7; Galatians 3:6-18)

Luke 1:38
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”



Mary:



It was time. She was God’s choice. The right person at the right time in the right place; there are no random acts with God. Who might have guessed that a young maiden from such humble surroundings, a sleepy little village called Nazareth would be a vessel for greatness. God can use any one from anywhere to fulfill His purpose. If you’re available, He’ll use you. The possibilities are limitless. You are capable of greatness.





Luke 1:25
“The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”



Elisabeth:



We don’t know how old she was, but we know she was beyond child bearing years. Her moment had passed. The desire of her youth was seemingly lost, opportunity had evaded her. And yet, she remained faithful and…..hopeful. Born to godly parents, raised up with godly principles, married to ….a preacher. Elisabeth had done everything right only to see her dreams of a family unfulfilled. But God! God had heard. God had seen. God is faithful. The old folks say, “He may not come when you want Him, but He’s right on time.” The beauty of this season is that it is a season of hope. You will never be in a place where God can’t reach you and extend His favor. Never. No matter what you’ve done, haven’t done, no matter how you failed or missed the mark. No matter the disappointment you’ve endured, God can and will. Be encouraged.





Luke 1:67
[ Zechariah’s Song ] His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:



Zechariah:



There’s a little more to Zechariah than meets the eye. Arguing with angels is pretty heady stuff. Scripture recounts that in his encounter with the angel, Gabriel that he demanded proof that his prayer for the blessing of a child had finally been answered. Imagine that! Standing up to an emissary from God. Little wonder that Gabriel shut his mouth. But months later, when God released him to speak again, we see the same boldness in Zechariah’s song. He did what preachers do: proclaimed the Glory of the Lord boldly. Months of divine attitude adjustment did not break Zechariah’s spirit, it just aligned him with the purpose and plan of God. Whether it is the impudence of Peter or the arrogance of Paul, God can take an abrasive character trait and use it for the furtherance of the Gospel. It takes attitude to preach the Gospel. Attitude aligned with Eternity. God made you the way you are: quirky, jerky or whatever, He makes no mistakes. You are uniquely equipped for His purpose. Let Him use you.





Luke 1:41
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.



John:



There’s a lot to say about John. This particular passage speaks to a message that God would have us all give heed to: the absolute sanctity of life in the womb. God filled John with the Holy Ghost in the womb. He heard: I’ve heard stories of dads who talked to their children during their wife’s pregnancy and after birth their newborn recognized their voice. There’s another thing to make note of: John liked what he heard. He leapt at the sound of Mary’s words. My response is similar. I rejoice in the hearing of God’s Word. Something leaps on the inside of me when I contemplate the goodness of God: His Majesty, His Mercy, His unfailing Love. I get Joy when I think about what he’s done for me. Don’t you?





Luke 2:7
and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger



Jesus:



The Hope of Eternity, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Emanuel, Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace, Son of God, Lamb of God, Alpha and Omega, the First and The Last, Savior, Redeemer, Covering, Messiah, God Incarnate, God with us. Worship Him. He is worthy of all of our praise, all of our honor, all of our adoration. In this season, as we spend time with those we love, let us reflect, with joy, on the reason we celebrate; the birth of the Christ: Jesus, our Lord. God’s gift of eternal hope to those who had no hope. Rejoice.





Blessings,



.wb