“It’s just you and me,” Joseph reassured Mary.  He loved her so much.  “And Adonai” Mary reassured him as a sweet smile spread across her face, blooming with the aura of anticipated motherhood. 

She had loved Joseph before, but now she loved him all the more for the risks he was taking to his reputation and for his total righteousness in following all that the angel commanded.  He had taken her home as his wife and she was profoundly grateful. But because he was righteous, he had no union with her.  He understood what was at stake in all of this.  (Matthew 1:24-25).

They were almost at Bethlehem now because of that census.  Joseph would obey that too.  What inconvenient timing, though!  He couldn’t leave Mary at home.  Bringing her on this journey wasn’t easy either. 

But strong he would be…for her.  Faithful he would be…to Adonai. 

Honest he would be…even for the Romans and their census.

Luke 2:6 “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” 

Mary and Joseph smiled at each other as he wiped the strands of wet hair from her sweaty, tear-stained face, and kissed her forehead.  A hint of salt upon his lips and in her arms, a beautiful son whom he’d named Jesus, just as the angel told him.  He marveled at the event … this amazing child who looked so average. 

Who would ever believe this happened?

***

Their Story, Your Story: 

1. No two people will ever experience what Joseph and Mary did.  This moment of Christ’s birth redefined miraculous.  In what ways did it lift miraculous to a whole new level? 
2. What distinguishes this birth event from all other human births?  What about a virgin birth would be important to the story of salvation? 
3. Every birth is a miracle in a sense.  When you stop to think about a man and a woman coming together and what starts as a fertilized egg in one moment changes as a process unfolds in which the baby develops a spine and lungs and has a heartbeat.  In what sense is this miraculous, too?  What makes it casual, almost a given? 
4. What types of events heighten a precious view of the miracle of a safe, healthy pregnancy and childbirth to living, healthy babies?
5. Was childbirth dangerous in times prior to modern medicine?

Self-Reflection topic: Miracle of birth

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, please give us an elevated view of the sanctity of life in the unborn, a view that upholds the miracle You designed from the beginning.  Thank You for the faithfulness of Joseph and Mary, for their patient endurance all the way to Your birth.  Thank You for condescending to us in the Incarnation, for stepping down from every privilege and honor, from being the King of kings and Lord of lords to live among us, though we are sinners.  It’s miraculous that You came as a helpless baby in Your flesh yet You were every bit as divine–at that same moment–as You were when sent.  It is too amazing for words that You would do this for us!  Your goodness inspires us to praise!  Be glorified, Lord!  Be exalted, O God!, Be King of our hearts now and forever!  Amen.

==

Tomorrow is the last day to receive these Storyteller devotional studies in your email during Advent 2018 by entering your email address on the SeminaryGal.com home page in the space provided in the sidebar.  Or “Like” the SeminaryGal Facebook page to access them there.  If you like these devotionals, I’d really appreciate your letting others know so I can continue to spread the Good News far and wide.  After Advent is over, there will be devotionals from time to time until the next series at Lent.  Blessings to you, in Christ always, Barbara <><

===

Acknowledging inquiries about the entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the archives to the right and are as follows:  

• Last year’s Advent Devotional Series (2017), Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
• The 2016 season devotionals were called “Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
• The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
• Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
• The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
• The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.

Telling Joseph went better than telling her parents who already had her things on the doorstep to greet her upon her return.  A spoiled-purity daughter was of no use to them and definitely no longer welcome to set foot in their home for the sake of their own honor.  They wouldn’t speak to her or accept any of her pleading or explanation that she was right about Elizabeth. 

Bizarre as the explanation was, she had committed to telling them the truth because she couldn’t let them believe a lie.  She couldn’t let them believe a lie about Joseph or about any involvement with another man.  But to her parents, this was simply too far-fetched, and she had brought shame upon her entire family.  Disowning a daughter—Aieeee–it was something they’d never dreamed possible with such a daughter as Mary!  How could she do this terrible thing to them?

Joseph, too, had heard that she was pregnant, and he knew for a fact that baby wasn’t his.  He loved Mary but in life sometimes, you need to draw a line, even with those you love.  Was he angry?  He didn’t know!  Well, yes it seemed so, but anger didn’t feel quite right.  Was he disappointed?  Certainly!  This was never in the bargain for him when he made arrangements with Mary’s parents to become betrothed to Mary.  Did he feel sorry for her, being thrown out of the house?  Yes, but actions once done bring about consequences.  She was pregnant, and she deserved it.  Her parents were righteous and that’s what righteous people do.  But to throw a pregnant woman out of your house…?  His mind was consumed with so many conflicting thoughts. 

How do you treat someone you loved so deeply who has betrayed you in the most profound way possible?  How could he remain righteous in Adonai’s sight and yet forgive this most unpardonable offense of her being pregnant and bringing shame upon him? 

At last, he made up his mind.  Matthew 1:19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”  which means, “God with us.”

Mary’s story didn’t make a bit of sense, but it was confirmed by an angel of the Lord.  So, he did as the angel commanded.  Joseph, after all, was a righteous man.

***

His Story, Your Story: 

1. In the Middle East, at the time of the birth of Christ, bringing shame upon your family was unforgivable.  Women were stoned for situations such as Mary’s because in the normal course of events it was sin akin to adultery.  What has been lost in our culture by acceptance of out-of-wedlock pregnancy as routine? 
2. Mary’s situation wasn’t sin, but a miracle of God.  Even if the world saw her pregnancy as sin, what can Joseph’s story teach us about grace and love that covers over everything?
3. Joseph is usually treated like a cardboard sidekick in the whole Christmas story, but there are valuable lessons we can learn about righteousness, true righteousness, and its connection to humility from him.  His story displays a level of forgiveness and obedience that are genuinely remarkable.  Much is made of Mary’s obedience and because Joseph wasn’t the “real” dad, he’s relegated to the role of expendable accessory.  What do you think of that given what today’s Scripture says? 
4. Would you necessarily believe a dream you had?  What do you think made this dream believable? 
5. What does this whole scenario say about Joseph’s humility?

Self-Reflection topic: Shame and humility

Prayer:  Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the lessons we can learn about shame and humility from the example of Your earthly parents and modeled throughout Your life.  Thank you that Scripture reminds us, Hebrews 12:2 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Shame doesn’t need to be our final state and it was not for You.  Thank You that shame and humility often precede glory.  We seek like-mindedness that Paul talks about in Philippians 2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death– even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  We confess Your holy Name, Lord Jesus, and gratefully acknowledge You as Savior and Lord.  Amen.

==

Just a few days left to receive these Storyteller devotional studies in your email during Advent 2018 by entering your email address on the SeminaryGal.com home page in the space provided in the sidebar.  Or “Like” the SeminaryGal Facebook page to access them there.  If you like these devotionals, I’d really appreciate your letting others know so I can continue to spread the Good News far and wide.  After Advent is over, there will be devotionals from time to time until the next series at Lent.  Blessings to you, in Christ always, Barbara <><

===

Acknowledging inquiries about the entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the archives to the right and are as follows:  

• Last year’s Advent Devotional Series (2017), Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
• The 2016 season devotionals were called “Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
• The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
• Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
• The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
• The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.

Luke 1:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

By now she was beginning to show in her pregnancy and she would have some explaining to do.  First to Joseph, but also to her parents.  “Not looking forward to that,” she thought.  “Words, Adonai.  What words do I use with Joseph?  What words do I use with my parents?” she prayed.

As she made her way home, she reflected back on Elizabeth and Zechariah and their beautiful boy John and how happy all her neighbors and relatives had been, including Mary’s parents.  Dared she hope her parents would share her joy at her own pregnancy? 

Then, there was the miraculous scene at the bris when Zechariah wrote “His name is John” and suddenly Zechariah’s speech was restored.  His first words, finally after months of silence, were praise and everyone was filled with awe. 

Throughout the hill country of Judea, people were abuzz with good news. Indeed, Luke 1:66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him. 67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us   72 to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.””

***

Their Story, Your Story: 

1. The nature of prophecy is curious.  The angel prophesied that Zechariah wouldn’t speak and he didn’t until the time foretold.  The prophecy first, then fulfillment.  Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and spoke prophecy about God’s faithfulness to come and redeem His people and the praise He is due for this act of grace.  Yet, Zechariah was praising God for something that–in the flow of real time–hadn’t happened yet.  His son John would pave the way for Messiah.  Why would Zechariah praise as if God had already accomplished it? 
2. How is prophecy, genuine prophecy, from God as both “already” and “not yet”?  How can it be both?
3. What is the value of prophecy?  For whom is prophecy intended?
4. What is the value of preparation?  Who benefits from preparation?

Self-Reflection topic: Preparation

Prayer:  Father God, on this side of the Cross, we can indeed see the prophecy of Zechariah was true and we can praise You as he did.  Luke 1:68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us   72 to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”  Grant that during this season of Advent we would be preparing ourselves as You prepare our hearts to receive the Christ—a Holy Child then, but Whom we now know is our salvation.  We thank You, Lord Jesus for coming to save us!  In Your Name we pray, Amen.

==

Just a few days left to receive these Storyteller devotional studies in your email during Advent 2018 by entering your email address on the SeminaryGal.com home page in the space provided in the sidebar.  Or “Like” the SeminaryGal Facebook page to access them there.  If you like these devotionals, I’d really appreciate your letting others know so I can continue to spread the Good News far and wide.  After Advent is over, there will be devotionals from time to time until the next series at Lent.  Blessings to you, in Christ always, Barbara <><

===

Acknowledging inquiries about the entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the archives to the right and are as follows:  

• Last year’s Advent Devotional Series (2017), Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
• The 2016 season devotionals were called “Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
• The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
• Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
• The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
• The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.

Mary was overcome with joy—a three-fold joy!  First, joy at the affirmation of what she knew about herself with a role in the birth of Messiah, joy at seeing the truth of what she’d been told about Elizabeth, and of course, the simple joy at seeing relatives she loved. 

She couldn’t contain it any longer and said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers” (Luke 1:46-55) 

Mary was overwhelmed with Adonai’s faithfulness and gratefully caught up with all news that had happened to Elizabeth and Zechariah, to whom Adonai was also faithful.  Elizabeth did most of the talking since Zechariah had tired of using a tablet to talk and Elizabeth was always better at conversation anyway. 

***

Her Story, Your Story: 

1. Mary burst into a theological praise song.  Can you hear how deep her theological roots go?
2. Are you ever moved to praise God in song? 
3. What types of things are most likely to bring you to praise Him? 
4. Each person has his or her own way of expressing praise.  What are your favorite means of praising God?

Self-Reflection topic: Unrestrained praise

Prayer:  Lord God, we thank You that we were created for the praise of Your glory.  Indeed, we take our place with all of Your creation about which the psalmist writes, Psalm 148:1 “Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. 2 Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. 3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. 4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.”  Let us praise You unrestrained and without being self-conscious in it!  Let us praise You with full and joyful hearts!  Let us praise You forever!  Amen.

===

Just a few days left to receive these Storyteller devotional studies in your email during Advent 2018 by entering your email address on the SeminaryGal.com home page in the space provided in the sidebar.  Or “Like” the SeminaryGal Facebook page to access them there.  If you like these devotionals, I’d really appreciate your letting others know so I can continue to spread the Good News far and wide.  After Advent is over, there will be devotionals from time to time until the next series at Lent.  Blessings to you, in Christ always, Barbara <><

===

Acknowledging inquiries about the entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the archives to the right and are as follows:  

• Last year’s Advent Devotional Series (2017), Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
• The 2016 season devotionals were called “Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
• The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
• Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
• The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
• The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.

With that awkwardness out of the way and moving beyond parental permission, Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, a walk of 90 miles. She didn’t mind the time being alone with her thoughts.  Five days of travel to ponder,

Who could she tell?  Who should she tell?  Who would even believe her?” 

She relived the scene with Gabriel over and over to fix it forever in her memory and engrave it upon her heart.  Don’t doubt.  Just believe.  Adonai is trustworthy.  He does the impossible. 

What if…?  She interrupted her own thoughts.  Don’t doubt.  Just believe.  Adonai is trustworthy.  He does the impossible.  Proof is just down the road.   Just down the road.  Don’t doubt.  Just believe.  Adonai is trustworthy.  He does the impossible.  Patiently wait.  Proof is just down the road.

Finally, Mary arrived, entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. Luke 1:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”

Adonai was and is trustworthy.  He does the impossible.  Proof of this was just down the road.  

***

Her Story, Your Story: 

1. Evidence that Mary believed was recorded for us in Elizabeth’s blessing.  How does the ongoing practice of persevering in faith pay off? 
2. What types of things can you do to “practice” your faith? 
3. What happens to a faith that is exercised regularly?

Self-Reflection topic: Exercising faith

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, we thank You for being the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), Who showed us by Your example what it means to persevere.  In Your Word, You pronounced blessings upon those who overcome: “I will give the right to eat from the tree of life” (Rev 2:7) and we “will not be hurt at all by the second death” (Rev. 2:11).  We will be given “hidden manna… a white stone with a new name written on it” (Rev 2:17) and (Rev. 2:26) to him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations”.  We praise You for the promises in Revelation 3:5 He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels;  Revelation 3:12 “Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name”; Revelation 3:21 “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne”; and Revelation 21:7 He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”  Lord Jesus, help us to exercise our faith daily and be overcomers who persevere to the end for our blessing and Your glory.  Amen.

===

Just a few days left to receive these Storyteller devotional studies in your email during Advent 2018 by entering your email address on the SeminaryGal.com home page in the space provided in the sidebar.  Or “Like” the SeminaryGal Facebook page to access them there.  If you like these devotionals, I’d really appreciate your letting others know so I can continue to spread the Good News far and wide.  After Advent is over, there will be devotionals from time to time until the next series at Lent.  Blessings to you, in Christ always, Barbara <><

===

Acknowledging inquiries about the entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the archives to the right and are as follows:  

• Last year’s Advent Devotional Series (2017), Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
• The 2016 season devotionals were called “Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
• The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
• Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
• The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
• The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.

Mary’s mind was all awhirl as she made her way home from this totally bizarre encounter.  She believed it was real, but it was too strange for comfort.  She wanted to be alone.  No!  That’d be the worst thing.  She’d talk herself out of it, she reasoned.  What she really needed was to be in a place that would bolster her faith, and not allow her to dwell in her confusion to feed her insecurities and create all kinds of doubt.  

“Visit Elizabeth!  That’s what I’ll do,” thought Mary. 

“She’s in her sixth month; she’ll be showing;

and she’ll need help around the house.  That’s exactly what I’ll do!” 

She saw her mother up by the house, came near to her, and asked, “Mother?  May I please go visit Elizabeth?” 

“Whatever for?” her mother replied. 

“Well, it’s been a long time since I got to visit her and she’s a family favorite.  And, well, I just had the strangest thought that she’s expecting a baby.” 

Mary’s mother burst out laughing. 

“Do you realize how old she is?  I’m sorry, but women that age just don’t have kids.” 

Mary’s heart sank at the obvious indication she couldn’t even tell her mother about any of this. 

She bolstered her own faith instead and suggested

Well, why not?  After all, Abraham and Sarah did.” 

Her mother tried to squelch the heartiness of her own laugh and said “That’s why they called him Isaac.  What laughter to an old couple!  Come now, Mary, that’s nothing but some old Torah stories.  It doesn’t happen to regular people like Elizabeth and Zechariah.  But sure, go ahead and visit Elizabeth,” and added sarcastically, “Be sure to send along word when her due date is.”  Mary’s mother wiped away tears of laughter from her eyes and tried to regain her composure from a good belly laugh. 

* * *

Her Story, Your Story: 

1. Throughout history, people of faith have been ridiculed and disbelieved.  What ought to have been the most amazing and blessed news for the Chosen People who had been waiting generation after generation for their Messiah became something Mary realized could not be shared right now with her own family and would not be greeted with cheers by the very people who had been waiting for the coming of Messiah.  She’d be ostracized and disbelieved because of the way God chose to do it.  What should have been the reaction of God’s people to the imminent coming of the Messiah?
2. How do you think she must have felt keeping this amazing news to herself?
3. Do you find that there are things you cannot tell even your parents, your children, or your closest friends?  What types of things are you more likely to keep secret? 
4. What distinguishes a burden from a secret or a surprise? 

Self-Reflection topic:  Secrecy

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Your story is one we should never want to keep to ourselves since it is good news for the entire world!  Help us to have confidence to share it and to stand strong against a tide of unbelief and ridicule.  Grant that we would have wisdom when to speak and when to remain silent for the sake of wisdom.  Give us courage to speak when called because Your Word reminds us that when your disciples praised You, Luke 19:38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”  Let us not be deficient in our praise but rather, give You all glory and honor!  Amen.

Mary listened attentively and at long last, Mary pieced together what the angel Gabriel was saying to her. 

She blushed deeply and asked the obvious:  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:34-35)

She didn’t understand.  Who actually could?  But she believed, committing in her heart to trust and obey.  She wouldn’t ask Gabriel for proof but she did admit a truth inwardly: she felt the need for a greater faith to believe what seemed totally impossible and completely improbable would yet come to pass. 

Adonai, please give me faith to continue believing, and encouragement to keep me from doubt, her heart prayed silently.

Gabriel’s presence changed in an instant from the brilliant holy messenger commanding fear and awe with a holiness so bright it blinded her even to look at him.  It’s as if he’d heard something she hadn’t.  His eyes, once piercing with holiness that inspired fear, suddenly softened into beauty, began visibly glistening, and a lovely, gentle, more cherubic smile spread over his face as reassuringly he added, Luke 1: 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.” [Her heart’s prayer was satisfied, and Mary was emboldened by knowing that Adonai was, in fact, with her in spirit, sending His message through Gabriel.]  38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

Her Story, Your Story: 

1. We don’t know for sure that Mary prayed such a prayer (artistic license on my part, really), but we do know something happened between the question of how it would occur and her willingness to be the Lord’s servant.  That “something” was surely not doubt.  The proof offered from Gabriel suggests God knew she needed reassurance and for her faith to increase.  What is your reaction to God’s silence when you see events stacking up against Him with impossible odds from an earthly viewpoint … or His asking the impossible from you? 
2. Is your response to doubt, to deny, or to ask, “Increase my faith?”  (Luke 17:5)

Self-Reflection topic: Faith enough

Prayer:  Father, please increase our faith for the days ahead, days of stress and uncertainty.  Increase our faith to stand for You when ridiculed and when it’s difficult. Increase our faith to share You and Your Gospel with a world that is hostile to You and Your message of salvation.  Increase our faith to love our enemies.  Increase our faith to forgive not just seven times nor counting seventy-seven times, but understanding Jesus’ meaning of continual and complete forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-22) because we have been forgiven of the greatest of sins because our sin is always against You.  Forgive us, Lord, for those times we don’t want to forgive others or to love and obey You. Help us to speak words of obedience in response to all You have done for us.  Through Christ we pray, Amen.

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By way of reminder, if you haven’t signed up yet, you can receive these Storyteller devotional studies in your email throughout Advent 2018 by entering your email address on the SeminaryGal.com home page in the space provided in the sidebar.  Or “Like” the SeminaryGal Facebook page to access them there.  If you like these devotionals, I’d really appreciate your letting others know so I can continue to spread the Good News far and wide.  Blessings to you, in Christ always, Barbara <><

===

Acknowledging inquiries about the entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the archives to the right and are as follows:  

• Last year’s Advent Devotional Series (2017), Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
• The 2016 season devotionals were called “Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
• The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
• Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
• The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
• The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.

“Greetings, you who are highly favored!

The Lord is with you.”   

Mary was still looking at Gabriel when her heart became greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her,

“Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God”.

What is he saying to me?

What does this mean?

She wondered silently. 

She was too confused to do anything but listen to the angel’s words as he explained in a powerful but surprisingly gentle voice that sounded like the whispered ripple of calm waters on a shoreline,

You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end”  (Luke 1:31-33).

She was confused—she’d admit it.  Her mind—it was a spinning wheel of many thoughts:  The Messiah, the promise to David, deliverance, restoration, and consolation.  They cascaded in rapid succession!  She’d known about these things because her father taught her entire family about the Law; he told her the stories in the Writings; and he shared the expectations and hopes contained in the Prophets.  But she couldn’t begin to imagine how she could be part of that story. 

She was scared and confused. 

She didn’t understand this angelic greeting and news at all.

***

Her Story, Your Story: 

1. Mary’s life had been regularly steeped in Scripture.  This will be apparent in her Magnificat.  For now, though, what value would there have been in her having been taught God’s Word? 
2. How is being taught Scripture different than, say, being taught history or math? 
3. How is being taught Scripture no guarantee everything will make sense? 
4. In your life, who taught you Scripture?  Where have you heard God’s Word taught?

Self-Reflection topic: Bible instruction

Prayer:  Thank You, Lord that Your Word is “living and active living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).  We thank You that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  We ask, Lord Jesus, that by the power of Your Holy Spirit, You would plant Your Word deeply in us and that we would be prepared for Your return.  Amen.

===

By way of reminder, if you haven’t signed up yet, you can receive these Storyteller devotional studies in your email throughout Advent 2018 by entering your email address on the SeminaryGal.com home page in the space provided in the sidebar.  Or “Like” the SeminaryGal Facebook page to access them there.  If you like these devotionals, I’d really appreciate your letting others know so I can continue to spread the Good News far and wide.  Blessings to you, in Christ always, Barbara <><

===

Acknowledging inquiries about the entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the archives to the right and are as follows:  

• Last year’s Advent Devotional Series (2017), Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
• The 2016 season devotionals were called “Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
• The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
• Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
• The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
• The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.

Meanwhile the work of Gabriel was not finished.  After telling Zechariah of his good news about a son named John, to which all the angels naturally marveled and desired to know more deeply, six months went by and Gabriel was sent again.  

There was a joyous stirring in the host of angels.  Would this news be just as amazing as the first?  

Gabriel went to a nothing little town of no special repute in the middle of nowhere called Nazareth which was north of Jerusalem in Galilee.  There he found Mary, a young woman, a girl really, but old enough to be pledged in marriage.

She was helping her mother with household chores and enjoying the spring sunshine as it warmed her skin. 

She breathed deeply.  The wind gently swept pieces of her soft brown hair out of its braiding and across her face.  She didn’t mind.  The sun was warm, and she loved spring with its fresh breezes across the pastures and fields.  The scent of wildflowers with grassy overtones hinted at the fleeting time of their existence. 

She smiled at the blue sky and wispy white clouds as she placed the washing out to dry.  She thought to herself about her days at home and how much she loved them. 

But these days as an unmarried daughter were soon coming to a close. 

She was betrothed and would be married to Joseph, a good man, a righteous man, in the Davidic line no less—exactly the kind of man every girl in Nazareth dreamed of marrying. 

She was blessed in so many ways.

She wandered a bit down the dusty path taking in the sights and the smells, pausing to create a memory of a moment when Gabriel entered in a flash of brilliance.  It startled her into motionlessness.  Her heart was fluttering.  Her eyes grew wide in fear.  Gabriel said,

Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

***

Her Story, Your Story: 

1. An average life and average blessings are something we all experience.  In what ways was Mary’s life completely average and not outstanding in any way? 
2. In what ways did Mary display an exceptional life at this point in the story? 
3. Is it hard to see blessings around you in an average day? 
4. What was so amazing about Mary that God would choose her and send Gabriel?  What made her highly favored?

Self-Reflection topic:  Average blessings

Prayer:  Father God, You amaze us with Your grace!  Grace–that unmerited favor You show to us in so many ways, every day.  We do not deserve Your love or Your mercy and yet, Your plan of redemption was designed as an ultimate display of Your love for us while we did nothing to earn it and did so much to rebel against You.  Forgive us, Lord.  And thank You for not giving up on us.  Thank You for our sister Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus, and for her average life made exceptional only by Your grace.  Keep our faith grounded in Christ alone.  Remind us that no human is worthy of worship, not Mary, not the Apostle Paul, no one but Jesus Christ our Lord.  Admonish us as You did with the Apostle John when he was confronted with an angel so magnificent and beautiful “Revelation 19:10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”  Remind us that You alone are God and even Your angels are servants who long to know the mysteries that You have in store for us in the Gospel (1 Peter 1:12).  Amen.

===

By way of reminder, if you haven’t signed up yet, you can receive these Storyteller devotional studies in your email throughout Advent 2018 by entering your email address on the SeminaryGal.com home page in the space provided in the sidebar.  Or “Like” the SeminaryGal Facebook page to access them there.  If you like these devotionals, I’d really appreciate your letting others know so I can continue to spread the Good News far and wide.  Blessings to you, in Christ always, Barbara <><

===

Acknowledging inquiries about the entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the archives to the right and are as follows:  

• Last year’s Advent Devotional Series (2017), Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
• The 2016 season devotionals were called “Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
• The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
• Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
• The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
• The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.

Finally, Zechariah gathered his composure.  His knees which failed him…his strength which was rendered weak and useless–those in time were restored.  His voice, however, was not.  Luke 1:21 “Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.“  

How could he ever finish his work week with this in his heart?  A surprise for Elizabeth after praying for so long!  Answered!  Finally answered! 

After being resigned to childlessness as her legacy, now a miracle!  His mind returned time and again to what he might say, or rather how to let her know?  Nevertheless, he fulfilled his time of service and returned home as quickly as his worn sandals could take him.   

Understandably, his wife Elizabeth was stunned by the news, by Zechariah’s silence, and by the hope he shared with her. 

Neither of them said a word to others about it. 

Zechariah because he couldn’t. 

Elizabeth, because this private joy was something too amazing and far too personal to put into words. 

She believed Zechariah without a doubt.  But here was the concern: Why subject herself to doubters and those who would think she’d lost her mind?  Confidence in the face of nay-sayers is always hard.  “The more nay, the more sway,” she thought.  So, she spent five months in seclusion with Zechariah to whom she could alone share the immensity of her joy.  

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.”  (Luke 1:25)

***

Her Story, Your Story: 

1. Elizabeth did not have the benefit of an angelic appearance.  She must rely upon what happened to her husband.  In what ways does this affirm the “one-flesh” of marriage? 
2. Thinking about both types of testimony (eye-witness and ear-witness), how did this take a powerful turn in the life of Elizabeth and Zechariah?  In other words, is eye-witness the only way to acknowledge the truth? 
3. None of us will see Jesus face-to-face until the very end.  What types of things are important regarding the authenticity and truthfulness of testimony?  What does evangelism require?

Self-Reflection topic: Testimony

Prayer:  Father, we admit we do not understand Your plan and Your will.  We do not understand why You would entrust such an important message of salvation to us to communicate to others as evangelism.  We gratefully respond to the teachings of Christ when He said to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).   Our hope is in what we have been told, not what our eyes have seen at the present moment, except by faith.  We look forward to the day described by the Apostle Paul, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).  Until that glorious day of Your return and seeing You for the first time in the flesh as our Resurrected Lord, grant that our faith would be strong, our witness would be effective, and our hope in the testimony handed down through the saints would be unshaken in a world of chaos.  Amen.

===

By way of reminder, if you haven’t signed up yet, you can receive these Storyteller devotional studies in your email throughout Advent 2018 by entering your email address on the SeminaryGal.com home page in the space provided in the sidebar.  Or “Like” the SeminaryGal Facebook page to access them there.  If you like these devotionals, I’d really appreciate your letting others know so I can continue to spread the Good News far and wide.  Blessings to you, in Christ always, Barbara <><

===

Acknowledging inquiries about the entire season’s devotionals for your study group’s planning purposes, Seminary Gal’s prior seasons’ Advent devotionals can be accessed via the archives to the right and are as follows:  

• Last year’s Advent Devotional Series (2017), Still Christmas, began December 3, 2017 and was the Advent complement to the Lenten series, Be Still and Know that I AM God.
• The 2016 season devotionals were called “Timeless: The Message of Christmas for All Ages” and explored how the message of Christmas is timeless truth, for all ages of people, and for all ages at all times.  Timeless hope, encouragement, grace, peace, and love as we looked into the Word, saw the face of our Lord Jesus, and experienced restoration in His presence.  His goodness and His Gospel are truly Timeless. The 2016 devotionals began November 27, 2016.
• The 2015 season devotionals were titled Incarnation and involved digging deep–and yes, I mean deep– in this important mystery of Christian theology.  They began November 29, 2015.
• Carol Me, Christmas! remains one of my most popular offerings and tells the Christmas story through our most beloved Christmas hymns and carols.  You can access all of the numbered devotionals from 2014 via the archives.  They began November 30, 2014.
• The 2013 series was Emmanuel: When LOVE Showed Up in Person and examined the Prologue to the Gospel of John.  It began December 1, 2013.
• The 2012 series focused on Expecting the Unexpected…the unexpected, unlikely, and uniquely divine qualities of God’s perfect plan outlined in Luke’s account of the Christmas story.  It began December 1, 2012.