CONNECT:  What is one way that you can point to God’s mercy this coming week?

WARM-UP  Question

1. If you couldn’t speak for nine months, what would be the first words to come out of your mouth when you could finally speak?
2. Are we ever at risk of our joy in the Gospel growing cold?

READ Luke 1:59-66

1. In the account provided by Luke, what was so remarkable about the birth of this child?
   Why and what were the neighbours and relatives rejoicing in?
2. Why was Elizabeth insisting that the baby should be called ‘John’? Why were the people insisting that the baby should be called ‘Zechariah’?
3. What was so astonishing and significant about what Zechariah wrote? What was the result?
4. After being silent for nine months, Zechariah spoke. What did he say and what was the reaction of the crowd? What would have been your response if you were there?
5. In the midst of this baffling situation, who is the one orchestrating all these events? What credentials do we have to have to be part of God’s mission?

READ Luke 1:67-80

1. Who and what is the object and reason of Zechariah’s initial praise?
2. What does it mean to be redeemed? How may have the Jewish people at the time interpreted this redemption for them in the first century?
3. 2 Samuel 7 tells of the promise made to David. What was that promise and how is it being fulfilled?
4. What does it mean for God to ‘remember his holy covenant’? 
5. Who or what are our enemies? How are they different to the enemies of the world? 
6. What is hardest about following Jesus? How are we able to serve God ‘before him all our days’?
7. What was John’s role to be according to Zechariah’s prophesy? What do we need salvation from?
8. Even though this is such good news, what things can hinder us from seeing salvation in all its glory?

APPLY: This Christmas, how can you revel more in your salvation?

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On Your Frontline This Week: Family can sometimes be one of the most challenging frontlines. Pray for grace and Gospel opportunities to share the true joy of Christmas.

For Families

• WATCH: The Christmas Story from Luke 1 & 2
• WATCH: “God’s Story: John the Baptist”:

Listen:

• “Zechariah’s Song” by Alistair Begg
• “Jesus is the Horn of Salvation” by John Piper
• “A Horn of Salvation” by Simon Flinders
• “A Naming Ceremony, a Prophecy, and Jesus” by D. A. Carson

Other Helpful Resources (For Series):

• “Hidden Christmas” by Tim Keller
• The Bible Project on Luke

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