Getting Ready

Luke 1:5 CSB

In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

INTRO—

“Vintage Christmas”

Classic!…What makes Christmas—Christmas for you. [When I think of Christmas time, I think of…; It just wouldn’t be Christmas…] Those things that take us back to our Christmas favorites generally fall into four segments—chronologically.

The first of these segments involves “Getting Ready” …

Things like decorating, music, movies, dinner planning, gift buying and wrapping and peeking…[personal story]

Similarly, the most ‘vintagest’ of Christmases also involved “Getting Ready”…

[AND, just for the record, here’s a chronological time-line graphic (which, I could send to anyone who wants to see it).

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS TREASURE—GETTING READY

LUKE 1.5-25—Announcement of John the Baptist

To Zechariah & Elizabeth

“A once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity [1.8-9]

Providential…not by ‘chance.’

A Spirit-filled pre-born baby [1.15]

Just notice how the Bible talks about people…

LUKE 1.26-38—Announcement of Jesus

To Mary (only)

Ever notice the amount of doubt, disbelief…feelings of disgrace which are present at this Vintagest of Christmases?

[1.29, 34]

Zechariah [1.18] & Elizabeth [1.24-25; like Sarah (Gen. 30.23)], too.

A Spirit-conceived baby [1.35]

John the Baptist was unique…Jesus much, much more so.

A heads-up about Cousin Liz [1.36-37]…

LUKE 1.39-56—Mary visits Elizabeth

Gabriel was right (What God said is right) [1.41-44]

Confirmation of God word (plan, promise) is always cool (exciting…).

What we know Mary knew [1.46-55]

[The song…]; It’s cool to see Mary grow in understanding.

Mary was there about 3 months (up to the time just before JtB is to be born)…& headed home.

MATTHEW 1.18-25—Announcement of Jesus

To Joseph (this time; not sure when…or when he ‘found out.’)

Joseph & Mary didn’t get engaged (to be married) to become Jesus’ parents (in their mind) [1.18]

They were just two young Jewish ‘kids’ in love, planning for their future together…

Also note that fear was often part of this Vintagest of Christmases

[1.20; fear of keeping pregnant Mary to be his wife]

Mary [Luke 1.29-30; of what the (crazy) angel was talking about]

Zechariah [Luke 1.11-13; of Gabriel’s appearance, being in his presence]

[[…not to mention the shepherds yet to be in the story…]]

CONCL—

ALSO for our consideration: During these days, maybe earlier, some Persians were influenced enough to be ready to recognize a significant event which would change their lives forever…

Matthew 2:1 “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem,”

Matthew 2:2 “saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.””

INVITATION

Salvation

Anticipation

Preparation

Matthew 1:24–25 CSB

When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.