The Mercy of God in Mary's Magnificat

December 24, 2023 • David Schrock • Luke 1:39–56

Dear OBC Family,

Few days on the calendar are more hopeful or joy-giving than Christmas Eve. Yet, what often brings comfort and unites family can be extra difficult when families are separated or the sirens of war ring out. Indeed, Christmas is supposed to be a time of peace and well-being, but sometimes its not.

Nevertheless, instead of letting the challenges of life ruin Christmasc, the hard realities of life actually remind us why Christmas matters and what the birth of Christ is for. As the Prince of Peace, Jesus did not come to enjoy the peace we make. Instead, to a world at war, where sinners sin and suffer the consequences, he came to make peace by his life, death, and resurrection. Remembering this gospel truth keeps our eyes fixed on our Lord and the good news of his birth.

On Sunday, Christmas Eve, we will take time in the morning to remember what Jesus’s birth means. Then, in the evening (at 6:00pm) we will recall the cast of characters found at Christ’s birth. To prepare for Sunday, take time to read Luke 1 and Matthew 1. As we gather to celebrate the birth of Christ these will be our two passages for meditation: Luke 1:39–56 and Matthew 1:18–25.

I look forward to sharing God’s Word with you and to enjoying the promises of peace that God gives to us as children who struggle to make peace. What a wonderful truth, that Jesus Christ, our Immanuel, has come to be with us and to bring us peace. That is our hope this Christmas. And, as the Lord allows, I look forward to being with you on Sunday.

For His Glory and your joy,

Pastor David

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Discussion & Response Questions (Luke 1:39–56)

What is happening in the life of Israel, Mary, Elizabeth, when the birth announcement of Jesus comes?

Read Hannah’s song in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. How does this compare with Mary’s song? How are they related?

What kind of joy is recounted in Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, and Mary’s song? What do you typically find joy in?

What are the main themes (or repeating themes) in Mary’s song?

What does Mary’s song reveal about her knowledge of God in Scripture?

What do we learn about God in this passage? About the birth of Christ? About praise?

As we celebrate the birth of Christ, how does the warfare theme of the Bible encourage us? Challenge us? Strengthen our faith?

Christmas Eve Evening Service

December 24, 2023 • David Schrock • Matthew 1:18–25

YHWH is Gracious

December 17, 2023 • Ben Purves • Luke 1:5–25

Dear OBC Family, Over these past weeks we have celebrated the birth of several children in our congregation, and this is a wonderful thing. Every child is a gift of God’s grace. As parents we pray for our children, and for what kind of people they will grow up to become. This Sunday, we will look at a birth announcement of John the Baptist, as given from Gabriel to Zechariah in Luke 1:5-25. And this is not simply their son, but their son would grow up to be the forerunner of the Messiah. This is good news for Zechariah and Elizabeth, miraculous news, hard-to-believe news. Not only for them, but for all of God’s people as they have waited through the ages for the coming of Christ. And it is good news for us today, as we see the faithfulness of God who keeps his promises and brings his Word to pass. This is good and wonderful news for God’s people. I invite you to read ahead and think about Luke 1:5-25 in advance of this Sunday. I look forward to worshiping our Great God and Savior with you on this Lord’s Day! Blessings in Christ, Pastor Ben --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions (Luke 1:5-25) What does this text reveal to us about God? Was Elizabeth’s barrenness God’s judgment against her? What promises are given about barrenness in the Old Covenant? How should we understand barrenness in the New Covenant today? What does this text teach us about God’s providence? Consider Elizabeth’s reversal from barrenness to life. Where else do we see this in Scripture? Why is this significant? Why is Zechariah's mouth closed? Contrast this with Isaiah 6:1-7 and Mary’s faith in Luke 1:34. How should Zechariah’s heart and words have responded to this announcement? Where else does the Scripture speak about God closing mouths? What is the mission of their promised son? How will John be set apart, and how will he prepare the way for the coming of the Lord? Consider how Paul picks up the idea of Luke 1:15 and contrasts drunkenness with being filled by the Spirit (Eph 5:15-20; Gal 5:14-24). What does preparation for the second coming of our Lord look like today? (Matt 28:18-20) How ought we to respond to this text?

All That Has Been Accomplished Among Us (Luke 1:1-4)

December 10, 2023 • Jared Bridges • Luke 1:1–4

Sermon Introduction Will the package arrive on time? As we approach Christmas, it's a question we often find ourselves asking. No matter how much free 2-day shipping is promised, nothing is certain in a season of short supplies and busy distribution. As we take a break from our sermon series on Genesis to focus on the season of Advent, we'll be looking at Luke's prologue (Luke 1:1-4). It has nothing to do with Christmas…or does it? This Sunday, we'll look at how Luke's short introduction to his gospel gives us certainty of what the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus means for us in an age of uncertainty. For His Glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor Jared As a reminder, the Montclair Community Group will be in overflow this Sunday. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions (Luke 1:1-4) Why does Luke's position as an outsider (non-apostle, non-eyewitness) matter? What are the "things that have been accomplished among us?" Why did Luke see it necessary to compile another account? In what ways does continued exposure to the gospel underscore our certainty? Why is the Christmas story inseparable from the full story of the gospel? What are some practical ways we can keep this in mind during the Christmas season? What are some ways we can boost our certainty during uncertain times?