What threads/themes/intersection(s) did you find this week?
This week’s passages are:
Luke 1:26-38: The angel Gabriel visits Mary and declares that she will give birth to God’s son. He also tells her about Elizabeth’s pregnancy, and Mary accepts her calling.
Luke 2:1-20: Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem for the Emperor’s census, and while there Mary gives birth to her son. Shepherds are told by angels about the birth and find the place where the holy family is to be found, telling the story of what they have been told about the child.
Romans 16:25-27: Paul celebrates the God who has fulfilled prophecy and has made known the Good News about Jesus so that Gentiles might believe.
Titus 2:11-14: Through Christ God’s grace has appeared and God has enabled us to live lives of goodness.
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16: God, through the prophet Nathan, declares God’s promise to David that he will establish his kingdom forever, will give him peace from his enemies, and will establish a nation for God’s people.
Isaiah 9:2-7: God offers a sign of God’s grace and protection to the King and people of Judah – in the darkness light shines, and the birth of child is the sign of new life and of God’s righteous kingdom to be established
Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26: A celebration of God’s choosing of David, and strengthening him to serve God as king.
Psalm 96: A song of praise for God’s greatness and glory, anticipating God’s coming as righteous judge.
Questions for these passages:
How does these passages point to Jesus?
How does these passages connect or conflict with Jesus' teachings, loving actions, or mission?
How does these passages shape me to be more loving like Jesus?
My Story Threads:
1. Promise and Fulfillment:
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16: God's promise to David about establishing an eternal kingdom.
Luke 1:26-38: The angel Gabriel announcing to Mary the fulfillment of God's promise through the birth of Jesus.
Luke 2:1-14(15-20): The birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Messianic promise, bringing peace on earth.
2. God's Faithfulness and Salvation:
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16: God's faithfulness to David and the establishment of the Davidic covenant.
Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26: A meditation on God's covenant with David and the promise of an enduring dynasty.
Titus 2:11-14: The grace of God bringing salvation and instructing believers to live in righteousness.
Luke 2:1-14(15-20): The proclamation of "good news" of great joy, bringing salvation to all people.
3. Worship and Joy:
Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26: The psalmist expresses joy and the call to worship God.
Luke 2:1-14(15-20): The angels and shepherds praising and glorifying God in response to the birth of Jesus.