Prepare Him Room: Spiritual Readiness and Formation

First Baptist Church, Angels Camp

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Prepare Him Room: Spiritual Readiness and Formation

Week 3, Day 2

December 19, 2023 • Katie Baatrup • Luke 1:20–23

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The advent season can be very busy and chaotic - Christmas parades, shopping, family events and more! It seems we cannot add another task onto our calendar. However, as Christians, it is important that we remember to continue to separate ourselves from distractions and give time to Jesus. Being in silence and solitude is crucial to our spiritual formation and allows us opportunity for great devotion.

Reading Luke 1:20-23, “And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time...” Zechariah was taught through silence that trusting in the Lord would give him great reward. The Lord was preparing Zechariah to have full trust in Him for the impossible – that he and his wife would have a long-awaited son.

Practice solitude with the Lord this Christmas. This devoted time can give you the strength to dive into the word, read devotions, or pray. Having intimate alone time with the Lord allows you the ability to give your undivided attention to building that relationship with Him. Prepare Him room by spending alone-time with Him regularly and continue that spiritual formation this Advent season.

Prepare Him Room: Living the Wonder of Christmas

December 29, 2023 • Pastor Jeremy Dente • Luke 1:47

Watching young children open their presents on Christmas morning can be so enjoyable and entertaining. But it can also be a powerful reminder of having the right perspective in life. When a child opens that present, they can be absolutely captivated by this new gift, and then, within mere moments, move on to the next gift, almost as if they forgot about the previous one. In light of all that this life and this world has to offer, we too can succumb to a similar posture in which we become more captivated by what’s new and shiny. But consider Mary’s response in her song “The Magnificat” in Luke 1. She exclaims “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” All that she knew and all that she was experiencing in that moment thoroughly convinced her to rejoice in God’s plan of salvation in her life. What could we ever experience in this life that could offer us a better reason to rejoice than in the fact that we are saved by the grace of God? God’s plan of salvation was formed and fixed long before we ever came into existence, and it will stand true no matter how much we might get in the way. Praise God for his faithfulness and willingness to save…let us rejoice and be glad!

Prepare Him Room: Living the Wonder of Christmas

December 28, 2023 • Pastor Jeremy Dente • Luke 1:46

As we survey the many individual stories found within the overarching Christmas story, there is little more impressive and convicting and encouraging than that of Mary and her response to the angel Gabriel. Maybe second only to the incarnation of our Lord, Mary’s song of praise, commonly known as the “Magnificat”, has stood the test of time as one of the most beautiful hymns in all of Scripture. In the opening line of this timeless hymn, Mary sings, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” What a worshipful proclamation of praise and thanksgiving in response to a miraculous turn events in the life of a young woman. But rather than focusing on herself, look at the perspective of young Mary. Her very soul – the essence of her being – magnifies God. She’s making much of God and his glory because she’s beginning to ponder and consider the providential and salvific love of God. This Christmas, we too have the opportunity to make much of Jesus. Whether through our worship, our service to others, our love, or a kind word, the very essence of our existence should remain resolute in magnifying the Lord while seeking his fame and glory! Let us magnify Christ this Christmas!

Prepare Him Room: Living the Wonder of Christmas

December 27, 2023 • Katie Baatrup • Luke 1:39–45

Family time is truly a time to rejoice and cherish one another. Your family, whether that's mom and dad, or a friendly couple from church, can be some of the most important people to have around during the Christmas season. It is necessary to see how fellowship within family can help spread the power of the Holy Spirit. In Luke 1:39-45, Mary visits Elizabeth, which helps us understand the importance of family time. Verse 41 says, “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” Mary’s visit with Elizabeth was so rewarding that Elizabeth even felt the Lord as she was greeted by Mary. We too can spread a joyful greeting to our families as we visit them this time of year. Take this family time as an opportunity to share the power of the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth continues in verse 43, “But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Imagine how family time must have felt for Elizabeth and Mary, having the ability to celebrate what the Lord blessed them with that year. Let this be a reminder of the beauty of family time and how those experiences can bring encouragement and celebration with others.