Advent Week 2: Preparation

“Good Morning and welcome to Bolton Community Church.  I want to thank you for taking the time to be with us studying the word of God this morning.  I truly appreciate and value your choice to worship with you.  We always carefully plan the announcements, worship music, message, and every part of the worship service to reflect glory and honor to God.  If you have any questions about anything this morning please feel free to talk to us.” 

– Pastor Scotty 

Morning Announcements to make note of:

ADVENT:  PREPARATION

Luke 1:26-38
Birth of Jesus Foretold

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed[a] to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”[b] 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”[c]

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[d] will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant[e] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Many of us go through our own version of preparations to get ready for the Christmas holiday. We set-up Christmas trees and decorate them with lights, fancy ornaments and perhaps a star on top. We purchase gifts for our loved ones in honor and remembrance of the gifts brought to Jesus by the wise men. We may even put decorations on our laws of a nativity set or other Christmas cheer. We prepare for the holiday by setting many physical reminders of Christmas all around us.

But, we are not alone in the preparations. Department stores, malls and shopping centers all have their own activities to get ready for Christmas. Some set up extravagant trees decorated with colorful balls and tinsel. Others have large wreaths hanging on walls and from ceilings. Santa and snowmen, ice skating and caroling are all a part of the celebration. We all have our own way of preparing for Christmas.

In the Beginning

“I will put an enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

The Lineage of Jesus

He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’ ” (2 Samuel 2: 13,16)

Jesus

Isaiah 7:14 the prophet wrote:  Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Joseph and Mary Chosen for the Task

Why at this Time?

Out Role in Preparation

But, our preparations are small and insignificant compared to what God set-up. But, we too have a responsibility to prepare for Christmas.