Luke 1:5-17; The Coming of Christ pt 2

Sermon in a sentence: Jesus’ first coming should prepare us for his second coming.

The Days Of Darkness (vs. 5-7)

God sent the last OT prophet to his people roughly 400 years prior.

Herod The Great’s wickedness was as impressive as his buildings.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were both from priestly families and had no children.

Isaiah 9:2 ESV

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

The Days Of Preparation (vs. 8-17)

Zechariah, a righteous man, was faithfully serving God and God’s people.

Luke tells us Zechariah, Elizabeth, and the other priests were praying.

God’s sovereign election is a means of preparation.

God used the birth and life of John the Baptist as a way to prepare his generation for Jesus.

Malachi 4:5–6 ESV

5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. 6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”

Fathers, are you leading your families to worship Jesus?

Mothers, how are you leading your families to worship Jesus?

Church, what are we doing to prepare our generation to meet Jesus?

The Day Of The Lord (v. 17)

The incarnation of Jesus inaugurated the last days.

Jesus’ birth in a manger was a foreshadow of the cross.

And the ascension was a foreshadow of his return.

Joy has dawned upon the world, Promised from creation: God’s salvation now unfurled, Hope for every nation. Not with fanfares from above, Not with scenes of glory. But a humble gift of love: Jesus born of Mary.

Sounds of wonder fill the sky With the songs of angels, As the mighty Prince of Life Shelters in a stable. Hands that set each star in place, Shaped the earth in darkness, Cling now to a mother’s breast, Vulnerable and helpless.

Shepherds bow before the Lamb, Gazing at the glory; Gifts of men from distant lands Prophesy the story. Gold, a King is born today, Incense, God is with us, Myrrh, His death will make a way, And by His blood He’ll win us.

Son of Adam, Son of heaven, Given as a ransom, Reconciling God and man, Christ our mighty Champion. What a Saviour, what a Friend, What a glorious mystery: Once a babe in Bethlehem, Now the Lord of history.