MONDAY Luke 1:5-25
• In Luke 1:30, God’s messenger said, “Do not be afraid, Mary.” Today we see that months before,he said, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah” (verse 13). In fact, “do not be afraid” is the most common command in the entire Bible. What scares you most right now? This Advent, in what part of life do you most need God’s message “Do not be afraid”?
• Luke’s story was no “once upon a time” tale. It was about real people and places (many of which Pastor Hamilton is showing in videos each weekend). So he began “In the time of
Herod king of Judea.” Does it help you to trust Luke’s story that he gave many names and dates that people in his day could easily have verified? Why or why not?
Today’s Reflection by Irene Hollis
What scares me most is not knowing the future. I like to know what I will be doing is that which I can handle. No surprises. That’s not how life is though. There are situations which I cannot avoid. Some are simple, others not so. An angel may not appear to me, but the words, “Do not fear,” are very clear in my mind. My reassurance is found in Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear for I am with you, do not be afraid for I am your God, I will strengthen you, and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” I rely on this verse to get me through the moments I feel fear creeping up on me. I find the greatest peace and a wonderful sense of calm envelopes me.
Luke tells a story of a God who follows through on his word, which is what I rely on to live my life.