08 Dec
2024

Born of a Woman

Passage: Galatians 4:4-7 and Luke 1:26-38

Second Sunday of Advent Collect from the Book of Common Prayer:
Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

SERMON OUTLINE:

1.Follow into the extraordinary
2.Follow with your questions
3.Follow step by step

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

What is your typical reaction to experiencing something mysterious?

Read Galatians 4:4-7 and Luke 1:26-38. What challenges, encourages, or sparks questions for you in this passage? What phrases stand out to you that help shape your understanding of God’s character and your identity as a child of God?

Every Christian experiences the ordinary and extraordinary brought together in faith. Every Christian story is a miracle. Consider some of the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of your story and share some with the group.

How has curiosity and questioning been part of your faith? How do wonder and doubt relate? Mary asked an honest question in verse 38. How does Mary provide us with a good example of handling our questions? What is the place of wonder in your faith in Jesus?

In verse 38, Mary states, “I am the Lord’s servant.” Repentance and trust are needed to make this declaration. How do you see Mary’s actions reflect this statement? (How does she say the same thing with her life?) What challenges this same allegiance in your life? Jesus came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). How is Mary’s response a helpful example to us in responding to Jesus this Advent?

PRAYER

Share with your group how they can be praying for you: what is weighing on you from this past week? What are you praising God for from this past week?

Isaiah 9:2 / “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”